By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 30: Miri Airport will be upgraded to international status, enabling it to handle wide-body aircraft and tackle rising passenger congestion.
According to TVS, Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the project is expected to start next year after the approval and tender process, with construction taking about three years.
“Miri Airport was only designed to accommodate two million passengers a year, but in 2019, passenger numbers had already reached 2.4 million. The need for an upgrade is urgent,” he said at a press conference after a working visit to the airport today.
A consultant appointed by the Ministry of Transport Malaysia has been carrying out studies since April and is now finalising the proposed concept and scope of work.
The proposed upgrade will see arrival and departure levels separated, the terminal expanded from 16,900sqm to 29,000sqm, and aerobridges increased from three to nine, alongside a new baggage system, more check-in counters, larger waiting areas, and dedicated facilities for both domestic and international passengers.
“For traffic access, we will also enhance it with a special e-hailing zone and the construction of a multi-storey car park with up to two thousand lots,” he added. — DayakDaily
