Ipoh needs better air hub

THE announcement of a RM60mil allocation by the Federal Government to expand Sultan Azlan Shah Airport is very much welcomed by the people of Perak.

As Ipoh has enjoyed plenty of international recognition in recent years, there are expectations that more people will be flying in and out of the city in the coming years.

While hopes for an international airport to be built in Perak is still a fleeting dream, having an airport with more space would be the next best thing.

There is a dire need to give Sultan Azlan Shah Airport an extensive makeover, since the last time the airport was upgraded was between 2011 and 2012.

This included the extension of the runway by about 200m to accommodate B737 and A320 aircraft, as well as larger departure and arrival halls.

Currently, the airport does not befit Ipoh’s growing image as an international tourist destination.

The Sultan Azlan Shah Airport is the smallest domestic airport in Peninsular Malaysia, with a capacity of only about 500,000 passengers per year.

In comparison, Sultan Abdul Halim Airport in Kedah can handle about 800,000 passengers while Sultan Mahmud Airport in Terengganu is said to be able to accommodate more than 900,000 passengers.

And after its upgrade last year, Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kelantan can accommodate up to 1.45 million passengers a year.

While details of the upcoming expansion have not been made public, it is understood that the upgrade would allow Sultan Azlan Shah Airport to accommodate up to 700,000 passengers.

Sultan Azlan Shah Airport’s facilities are in dire need of an upgrade. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star

Due to the increase in passenger numbers lately, it is necessary for the departure and arrival halls to be enlarged and for more retail shops to be built.

There are insufficient seats in the departure hall while the arrival hall and baggage claim area could also do with more room.

Currently, there is only one eatery at the airport along with a souvenir shop and a few pushcarts, so airport users would definitely benefit from more food and beverage outlets and a convenience shop.

More importantly, the government should work to arrange for more flights from other countries.

Currently, Ipoh airport receives the most passengers from Singapore, via thrice daily flights that are its only international trips.

More markets need to be explored, especially China, India and Australia.

Between January and September last year, some 1,651 people from China, 1,279 from India and 1,806 from Australia, entered the state via Sultan Azlan Shah Airport.

While direct flights from these countries could be challenging, having connecting flights via Singapore, KLIA2 or other international gateways could be a possibility.

The successful Visit Perak Year campaign last year which drew over 627,000 international tourists underscores the need for airport expansion.

It would be best if the expansion could be expedited given that the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign will start in less than a year.

Things are in motion to promote Ipoh and Perak as one of the “must-visit” destinations for global travellers.

Let’s hope that the Ipoh airport and all stakeholders are ready to welcome them when they arrive.