By Tedong Rantayy
MIRI, Feb 28: Plans are underway to streamline operations at Miri Airport by creating dedicated facilities for rural air services (RAS) and offshore helicopter operations, ensuring smoother passenger flow and reducing congestion.
Under the proposed changes, ATR and Twin Otter aircraft used for rural services are expected to have dedicated check-in counters, baggage handling, and waiting areas, separate from jet aircraft operations.
Similarly, offshore helicopter services will potentially be integrated into this designated area, minimising overlaps with commercial flights.
“We want to ease congestion for jet aircraft operations while improving efficiency for rural and offshore services,” said Minister for Transport Sarawak Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin today.
“There are currently not enough check-in counters, so we have requested an increase to meet projected demand over the next five years,” he added.
The long-term vision includes appealing to Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport to plan for continued expansion beyond the five-year projection.
With Miri serving as Sarawak’s northern gateway and a key hub for tourism, the airport is expected to see a rise in both domestic and international flights, Lee pointed out.
“Pre-pandemic figures from 2019 show Miri Airport handling 42,076 aircraft movements and over 2.43 million passengers annually, already exceeding its capacity.
“The planned terminal upgrades aim to accommodate this growing demand,” he said.
A kick-off meeting was held on Feb 26, with Sarawak’s Public Works Department (JKR Sarawak) leading the project.
Officials hope to finalise plans, including architectural designs and documentation, by the end of 2025.
If the tender process proceeds smoothly, construction could commence by early 2026, with an estimated completion timeline of 36 months.
Authorities are pushing for early groundwork, including feasibility studies, to ensure the project stays on schedule.
“We need to begin preparations now to avoid delays. Once construction starts, it will pave the way for Miri to handle increased air traffic efficiently,” Lee added.
The expansion is expected to bolster Miri’s role as a major aviation hub in Malaysia, supporting both commercial travel and essential rural connectivity. – DayakDaily
