THE Penang International Airport (PIA), being the ‘golden goose’ of the Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), is set to achieve its previous levels of passenger numbers when the pandemic is brought under control and borders are reopened.
Penang Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said PIA was one of MAHB’s fastest growing and most profitable airports in pre-Covid times.
“With vaccination rates increasing and economic sectors gradually opening up, it will not be long before the airport achieves its previous levels of passenger numbers.
“Therefore, would it not be prudent to begin the expansion work now when the airport is virtually empty, in preparation for the future?” Zairil questioned Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
In a media statement today, Zairil said that the airport was upgraded to cater to a capacity of 6.5 million passengers per annum (PPA) in 2013.
“However, the passenger growth exploded. And by 2019, the airport went beyond its capacity with a total of 8.3 million PPA recorded.
“The Ministry of Transport had approved the proposal to expand the PIA to a minimum of 12 million PPA during the Pakatan Harapan administration.
“In fact, planning permission was submitted to the local authorities and work had been scheduled to begin when the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
“Unfortunately, the pandemic also coincided with the change of Federal Government in early 2020, resulting in the airport expansion project being put on hold.
“In justifying the decision, the Federal Government announced that all airport expansion plans nationwide would be postponed pending the finalisation of a National Airports Strategic Plan (NASP).
Zairil further questioned the progress of the Kulim International Airport project that is spearheaded by the Kedah government.
“The proposed Kulim International Airport project raises many questions among travellers and industrial players alike.
“Is the Kulim International Airport project sanctioned and approved by the Federal Government, when it has clearly said that all airport projects will be put on hold pending the NASP study?
“And if it is not, will the Federal Government allow the project to continue?
“If it does continue, what impact would it have on the expansion of the PIA, which is MAHB’s ‘golden goose’ in terms of both passenger arrivals and cargo?” Zairil asked Dr Wee.
Zairil hoped that Dr Wee could clarify both matters regarding the expansion of PIA, and the proposed Kulim International Airport.
Story by Christopher Tan