Penang International Airport almost complete

The RM250 million Penang International Airport (PIA) expansion project is 99 per cent complete and will be fully operational by early next year, says Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri.

He said the ministry was very pleased with the progress, thus far, although there were some delay due to unforeseen circumstances.

Speaking after attending a briefing by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) at Malaysia's third busiest airport, he said many constraints were experienced during the renovation work as arrival and departure operations had to continue uninterrupted.

In certain areas, renovation work could only be carried out from midnight to early morning but constant security was maintained at the airport.

The expansion of PIA is being funded by MAHB's internally-generated funds to increase passenger handling capacity to six million people per year or almost double the current capacity.

When completed, it will encompass the state-of-the-art architecture, facilities and interior design to provide better comfort level to airlines and passengers alike.

Rahim said the modernisation project, carried out with the approval of the Federal government, would cater to the rapid expansion of low-cost carriers in Asean including Malindo Airways which would commence operations next year.

He said passenger arrival was expected to surge from 2015 onwards when stage five of the open sky liberalisation policy is implemented among Asean nations.

Rahim said the Penang International Airport was the northern aviation hub that handled direct international flights.

"The Federal government's earnestness in modernising the Penang International Airport proves that the Barisan Nasional leadership always honoured its promises to the people in line with the slogan 'Promises Fulfilled' which is central to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's leadership," he added.