Kota Kinabalu airport upgrade set for mid-2028 completion


MAHB managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani (third from left) presenting a model of the KKIA Airport Development Plan to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (third from right), joined by Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew (Second from right).

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.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

Asst bank manager cheated out of more than RM28,000 in online scam
Ministry launches Ops Pantau 2025 for Ramadan, Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Defence Minister visits French aircraft carrier CDG in South China Sea
(Photo Gallery) Ramadan bazaars pull in the crowds throughout the country
All 950 packs of subsidised local white rice snapped up within an hour at Kepala Batas Rahmah Madani sale
Second WWII bomb found in Kinarut safely detonated
PM extends aid to struggling Pahang fisherman's family
MP calls on Sarawak agency to prioritise Sibu’s water woes
Ramadan bazaar at Queen Street in Penang pulls in the crowd
MACC seizes RM170mil in foreign currency, gold worth RM7mil in graft probe involving Ismail Sabri

Others Also Read