KOTA KINABALU: The RM442.3mil Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) Airport Development Plan, which will increase the capacity of KKIA Terminal 1 to 12 million passengers per annum (mmpa), is expected to be completed in mid-2028.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani revealed this during his presentation to the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor on the plan to upgrade facilities at the second busiest airport in the country on Wednesday (Nov 27).
Also present was Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
In a statement released by the Ministry here, the plan involved upgrading the existing terminal building and pier extension (which includes a multi-storey carpark), airside infrastructure (to accommodate an additional seven aircraft), landside infrastructure (roadworks upgrading), and infrastructure works.
It was previously reported that KKIA exceeded the capacity threshold of 9 mppa in 2019 with a total of 9.4 mppa.
In the meantime, Mohd Izani said the RM45mil optimisation programme currently carried out at KKIA to enhance the terminal ambience and infrastructure at the airside area is expected to be completed in the middle of next year.
Hajiji, after the briefing by the MAHB delegation led by Mohd Izani at his Sri Gaya residence, responded positively and stated that it was high time for Malaysian airports to upgrade the facilities at KKIA Terminal 1 and Tawau Airport.
He expressed hope that the airport development plan will take off soon as the number of tourist arrivals to Sabah is picking up.
Liew meanwhile noted that more direct flights are coming to Sabah in November and December this year, however, did not elaborate.
Meanwhile, Mohd Izani, responding to a request to display a model of the KKIA Airport Development Plan at the airport for public viewing, stated that MAHB has to finalise the design first.
