KUCHING: The expansion of Miri Airport is expected to bring more flights to the region, said Federal Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
The expansion plan includes adding two more aerobridges to the existing three, which will boost the airport’s capacity to handle up to four million passengers annually.
“Once the expansion is completed, which will take around three years, airlines will naturally increase flights based on market demand.
“There is significant demand in Miri, especially for destinations like Mulu, and airlines will respond accordingly,” he told a press conference after the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Malaysian government and Biaramas Express Sdn Bhd at Raia Hotel here today.
Loke explained that Malaysia’s open sky policy within Asean allows flights to operate freely between any points in Asean countries.
“We also have air service agreements with many countries, so obtaining air traffic rights won’t be an issue.
“As for the commercial decision, it is up to the airlines. Once the airport capacity is increased, and flight slots are available, they can apply, and we will facilitate the process,” he added.
Asked if there have been any new requests from airlines since the announcement, Loke noted that the airport expansion would take at least three years to complete.
“No requests yet, but recently Scoot began flights between Singapore and Miri. Low-cost carriers and other airlines will continue exploring opportunities to connect our cities with other countries. For example, new destinations have already been added from Kota Kinabalu and Kuching,” he added.
On Sept 29, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim agreed to the expansion of Miri Airport, following a rise in passenger numbers.
In 2019, Miri Airport recorded nearly 2.5 million passengers, surpassing its capacity and proving inadequate for current and future needs.
