by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 3: The construction progress of the new access road connecting the southern zone of Kuching International Airport (KIA) has reached 95 per cent, but due to safety concerns, the road will likely only be opened for public use by the end of September 2025.
Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap shared this update in a press statement today after a meeting with JKR Kuching Division engineer, Wang Say Kwang.
He said that while physical works are nearly done, the remaining tasks involve critical aviation safety components.
He emphasised that a critical component of this project involves the Underpass Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) system, which requires relocation of the existing AGL to a new vertical profile that complies fully with stringent aviation safety standards.
This includes raising 13 rows of AGL poles along the aircraft approach flight path.
Due to the high level of technical complexity and safety considerations, this work required approvals from the Malaysia Airports Sdn Bhd (MASB), Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) Kuching Office, and CAAM Division of Air Navigation Services & Aerodrome (ANSA) Kuala Lumpur.
“I am pleased to inform that the final approval from the CAAM Division of Air Navigation Services & Aerodrome (ANSA) Kuala Lumpur was officially granted via email on July 1, 2025.
“This approval marks a significant milestone, enabling the contractor to proceed with the remaining AGL works. The contractor has indicated that they will require approximately one month to complete these activities.
“In line with the highest safety precautions, the road can only be opened to public use after the completion of the scheduled Flight Testing Window from September 21 to 26, 2025, which is necessary to ensure that all airfield safety systems are fully operational and certified,” Yap said.
“I would like to ask for the patience and understanding of all road users and residents, as these final steps are critical to uphold aviation safety and public safety. It is our shared priority to ensure the road is opened safely for public use by the end of September 2025,” he added.
Meanwhile, on other progress of the project, he noted that the 300 metres of road widening works are in progress and are targeted for completion by July 7, 2025, while the road leading to Sungai Kuap Bridge is ongoing and targeted for completion by July 21, 2025.
Street lighting works along the road are also expected to be completed by July 31, 2025. – DayakDaily
