KOTA KINABALU: The RM120.9mil expansion of Tawau Airport on Sabah’s east coast will be completed within three years and is expected to become a key gateway for international tourism and seafood exports.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke (pic) said the project, launched in Tawau yesterday, is scheduled for completion by 2028, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening east coast connectivity.
“This is an important project because Tawau is a strategic entry point, not only for Sabah, but for the country,” he said.
“Many international tourists fly here to reach our islands and marine attractions, so we want to make sure the facilities meet that demand.”
Loke said this after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for the project.
The upgrade will introduce separate facilities for international and domestic passengers, including customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) areas, and support scheduled international flights. It will also boost cargo capacity, tapping into Tawau’s potential as a major seafood export hub.
He said the design-and-build project would feature local cultural motifs and be carried out in phases to ensure the airport remains operational throughout construction.
The contract was awarded to Pembinaan Azam Jaya Sdn Bhd, the first Sabah company to secure a Transport Ministry airport upgrade project of this scale.
“We cannot shut the airport for three years; operations must continue as usual,” Loke said.
“This will be a challenge, but with proper planning and coordination, we can achieve it.”
The airport’s importance is reflected in the rising number of Chinese visitors to Semporna, a diving hub about 80km away.
Tawau already handles direct flights from Guangzhou, with Batik Air operating several flights weekly.
Still, congestion remains a concern. Reports show long queues, limited seating, and missed flights during peak periods, with observers saying such issues indicate the importance of the upgrade, as the airport risks being overwhelmed before completion.
Meanwhile, the Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry welcomed the project, calling it vital for boosting east coast tourism.
Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said the ministry has been advocating for the airport’s upgrade since 2018, recognising it as an essential infrastructure requirement to accommodate Sabah’s increasing number of visitors.
In a statement yesterday, Liew said Tawau Airport handled 1.71 million passengers in 2023, above its 1.5 million capacity, and received 158 flights weekly, offering 28,185 seats.
Domestic routes include Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Johor Baru, while charter flights from Nanjing and Guangzhou were recorded last year.
From January to July 2025, Sabah saw 2.12 million visitors, a 20.3% increase from the same period last year.
