MIRI: Miri Airport is set for a major facelift that will transform it into an international gateway capable of handling wide-body aircraft, in a bid to ease congestion that has been mounting year after year.
Sarawak’s Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, said the upgrade is expected to begin next year once approvals and the tender process are completed, with construction projected to take about three years.
“Miri Airport was designed to handle two million passengers annually. By 2019, the number had already reached 2.4 million. The need to expand is urgent,” he told reporters after a working visit to the airport yesterday (Sept 30).
A consultant appointed by Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport has been carrying out studies since April and is close to finalising a concept plan and scope of work.
Key proposals include separating arrival and departure levels, expanding the terminal from 16,900 square metres to 29,000, and increasing the number of aerobridges from three to nine.
Other improvements will focus on a new baggage system, additional check-in counters, larger waiting areas, and dedicated facilities for both domestic and international passengers.
Traffic access is also on the agenda, with plans for a special zone for e-hailing services and a multi-storey car park offering up to 2,000 bays.
If all goes according to plan, the city will soon have an airport fit for its growing role as Sarawak’s northern air hub, better equipped to serve the rising tide of travellers.
