STAKEHOLDERS and passengers are anticipating the proposed construction, upgrading and expansion of the Penang International Airport (PIA) to drive a vibrant and sustainable tourism industry in the state.
With the approval from the Cabinet recently, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has advertised the pre-qualification or tender notice of contractor on March 8.
The pre-qualification notice was for three work packages, which include, enabling works, ancillary building, Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia (CAAM) office, AVSEC control post and local infrastructure works; airside facilities – pavement works and other associated works; new main terminal building, renovation works to existing terminal, multi-storey carpark, local infrastructure works, building services and external works outside boundary.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, in a short statement, thanked the Federal Government and Transport Minister for the approval of the plan.
“Penang has been looking forward to the project for many years. We hope that the airport can be expanded to cope with the ever-increasing demands,” Chow said yesterday (March 12).
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai foresees that the enhanced facilities will enhance the travel experience for both domestic and international passengers, further solidifying Penang International Airport’s role as a key transportation hub.
“The PIA provides connectivity to seven domestic destinations, including Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), KLIA Terminal 2 (KLIA2), Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Kota Bharu, Subang, and Langkawi.
“This expansion is poised to attract more international flights and tourists to Penang, bolstering its position as a regional aviation hub. Moreover, it facilitates travel for individuals from southern Thailand and Sumatra, who utilise Penang International Airport to access other global destinations,” Wong said today.
As of March 1 this year, PIA connects to 16 international destinations through direct flights to Penang, including Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Medan, Jakarta, Surabaya, Banda Aceh, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City, Doha, Dubai, and chartered flights from Haikou, China.
“Additionally, a new direct flight from Shanghai to Penang, operated by Juneyao Airlines, will commence on May 31, 2024,” Wong said.
He added that in 2023, the top 10 international arrivals at PIA were from Indonesia, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan, and other Commonwealth countries.
AirAsia northern region director Kenneth Tan said he welcomed the much-anticipated project which could enhance visitor experience when they visit Penang.
“We trust that MAHB will maintain active and meaningful collaboration with key stakeholders, with a particular focus on engaging airlines and border agencies, throughout the entire duration of the project development.
“Three crucial factors should be at the forefront during the upgrading process – safety, security, and comfort of the visitors.
“Addressing these elements is paramount to ensuring that Penang not only becomes a more attractive destination but also maintains high standards of service and infrastructure,” he said when contacted.
Separately, Tan also commended the smooth progress of the link bridge project, connecting the multi-storey carpark to the Penang International Airport.
“It is good to see the pedestrian link bridge project progressing well.
“The link bridge can enhance the overall accessibility for passengers, making it more convenient for them to transition between the parking facility and the airport,” he said.
Penang Tourist Guides Association president Clement Liang believed all stakeholders anticipated the PIA upgrading project.
“There is a need for a forward-looking approach. The expansion plan must adopt a long-term and comprehensive perspective to accommodate projected increases in tourist numbers.
“Secondly, the airport should uphold global benchmarks. The aspiration is for the PIA not only to meet but surpass these standards, ensuring a positive and memorable experience for incoming visitors.
“Penang is a remarkable beauty but there are challenges that arise due to traffic congestion and the current overcrowded state of the airport.
“The overcrowding becomes particularly pronounced when multiple flights arrive simultaneously, creating an overwhelming environment,” he said.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia) deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said PIA’s handling capacity has reached its saturation point and there is a need for the proposed expansion plan.
“The strategic initiative not only holds the promise of elevating Penang’s international image but also solidifies its pivotal role in the aviation landscape of northern Malaysia.
“The PIA is expected to yield substantial economic benefits for Penang, concurrently generating numerous employment opportunities when the project is completed,” Yeoh said, extending his gratitude to the Transport Minister for his commitment to the state.
Penang Global Tourism (PGT) chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan said airports serve as crucial gateways, greatly contributing to the accessibility of destinations.
“The proposed expansion of PIA marks a pivotal milestone in fortifying our region’s tourism landscape.
“This growth will equip us with improved facilities, enabling a broader array of travel options and accommodating an increased number of direct flights. Consequently, the frequency of flights arriving in Penang will see a notable surge.
“This expansion not only serves to elevate the influx of foreign tourists but also addresses the imperatives of efficiency, safety, and an overall enhanced passenger experience.
“Presently catering to 6.5 million passengers annually, the expansion project is set to double our capacity, propelling us to serve 12 million passengers each year. This strategic move solidifies Penang’s standing as a premier destination, ensuring its allure remains irresistible to travellers from across the globe,” Ooi said.
When met, businessman Datuk Albert Moh said he looked forward to seeing how the enhancements of the PIA would transform Penang into a better accessible destination for tourism and high technology industry.
“As a frequent flyer, the expansion’s announcement is incredibly exciting news. I’m particularly impressed by the commitment to modernise the airport infrastructure, with plans for a new Air Traffic Control tower and the Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia office.
“These upgrades are critical for improving flight safety and operational efficiency, which directly benefits us as passengers.
“It is clear that much thought is being put into making the airport a top-tier facility, prioritising the safety, needs and expectations of passengers.
“Finally, the potential economic and employment benefits that the expansion will bring to Penang cannot be understated. This project is not just about upgrading an airport; it is about boosting the entire region’s economy and solidifying Penang’s role as a major player in the global tourism industry,” Moh said.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Siew Chia En