KKIA and Tawau airport set to undergo RM 19.4 mil facelift

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) and Tawau Airport are set to undergo significant transformations with the allocation of RM8.4 million and RM11 million respectively from Malaysia Airports Sdn Bhd (MASB).

The news was revealed by Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew after a courtesy call from MASB’s senior general manager, Kamaruzzaman Razali.

The funds will be used for the optimization of KKIA and Tawau Airport, with various upgrading projects aimed at improving facilities and increasing capacity to accommodate the steady influx of tourists to Sabah after the reopening of international borders.

Kota Kinabalu International Airport’s upgrading projects

The much-needed facelift for Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) will receive an allocation of RM8.4 million. A significant portion of RM1.4 million will be dedicated to improving public toilets at the airport, enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers. The remaining funds will be utilized for other crucial upgrading projects.

Among the vital projects planned for KKIA is the resurfacing of the runway, ensuring safe and efficient landings and take-offs for aircraft.

Additionally, the commercial lots and public address (PA) system will be upgraded to meet the growing demands of passengers and enhance communication within the airport.

Kamaruzzaman Razali, MASB’s senior general manager, highlighted that KKIA is currently the second busiest airport in Malaysia in terms of passenger handling. Originally designed to accommodate nine million passengers annually, KKIA has seen remarkable growth in passenger numbers, handling 3,299,076 passengers with 28,642 aircraft movements up to June this year.

Tawau Airport’s transformation plan

Tawau Airport is also in line for a significant upgrade with an allocation of RM11 million. The transformation plan includes several key projects aimed at enhancing facilities and creating a seamless travel experience for passengers.

A major focus of the plan is to build additional toilets to cater to the growing number of travelers passing through the airport. This improvement will significantly improve passenger convenience and comfort.

Furthermore, the check-in area at Tawau Airport will be upgraded to include proper segregation between international and domestic segments. The expansion of the departure lounge will provide more space for passengers to relax and wait comfortably before their flights.

In response to the tropical climate of the region, open spaces at Tawau Airport will be covered up to allow for the installation of air-conditioning units, ensuring a comfortable environment for passengers, even during hot weather.

Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister, Datuk Christina Liew, expressed her delight at the news, stating that the upgrading projects come at a crucial time, with Sabah witnessing a steady increase in tourist arrivals since the reopening of international borders.

The allocation of RM8.4 million for Kota Kinabalu International Airport and RM11 million for Tawau Airport marks a significant investment in enhancing the travel experience for visitors to Sabah.