KOTA BARU: The government welcomes airlines to initiate international routes at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (LTSIP) near Pengkalan Chepa here.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said, however, these airlines must obtain permission and approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom).
"Actually, there are no issues for airlines to commence international flights at the airport, such as routes from Singapore, Thailand or any country in the Asian region. It is up to them,” he told reporters here on Monday (May 13).
ALSO READ: LTSIP to be upgraded to an international airport, says Anwar
Earlier, Loke attended the ceremony to commence the first phase of operations on the airport's expansion and upgrade project, accompanied by Kelantan public works, infrastructure, water and rural development committee chairman Dr Izani Husin.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had previously said the Federal Government agreed to the Kelantan government's proposal to extend the airport's runway by 400m so it could qualify as an international airport.
He also said he would ask the Transport Minister to expedite the ongoing construction project.
ALSO READ: LTSIP terminal begins operations
Phase 1 of the new airport terminal, which commenced operations on May 1, can accommodate 1.5 million passengers a year.
Construction on Phase 2, which is expected to increase capacity to four million passengers annually, is set to commence immediately.
Loke also gave an assurance that the construction of Phase 2 would be completed on schedule with no issues anticipated. – Bernama
