Kuching requires an additional airport, according to Sarawak Premier
KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg of Sarawak has stated that the state intends to build a new international airport in Kuching to facilitate the expansion of the aviation sector in the state.
He asserts that the growing aviation traffic in Sarawak and the deficiency of amenities at the current Kuching International Airport (KIA) make the establishment of an international airport imperative.
Because of the rise in air travel, we are researching the possibility of constructing a new international airport.
He said to reporters at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex lobby today, “We are also looking at the international airport building, I think there are not enough facilities with the increase in the number of flights and passenger traffic.”
He was questioned after revealing in his concluding remarks that the Sarawak government intended to build a new international airport after purchasing MASwings.
He said that the initiative will turn Sarawak into another Asean regional aviation hub.
Speaking further about the issue, Abang Johari stated that the current KIA was no longer able to accommodate the increased volume of traffic, and that Sarawak needed a new international airport.
“We’ll let you know where it is later. One thing that is definite is that Kuching will be the development site because we want Kuching to be an aviation hub, which means the international airport needs to be located there.
“This time, we need a hub for aeroplanes; we already have one for ports. It functions as a commercial hub because it isn’t just for passengers but also for freight, he clarified.
Abang Johari stated that a discussion would be had with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) over the funds needed to construct the new international airport in Kuching.
“Depending on the availability of funding, we may choose to develop this airport with MAHB as our partner.
“Maybe we will collaborate with MAB to construct this new international airport,” he stated.
Abang Johari responded to a question on what would happen to the current KIA by saying that it might be converted into an airport for private or chartered aircraft.
Naturally, the issue is whether or not the capacity of the existing KIA is adequate. thus before we look into what can be done with the current KIA, we need a new international airport,” he stated.