Prime Minister Approves Miri Airport Expansion, Construction Planned for 2025
Sarawak’s Minister of Transport has announced that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has approved the Miri Airport expansion project during a state banquet held in Miri. Construction is slated to begin next year.
Officials are optimistic about completing the project within two years, with a target completion date set for 2027. The expansion is expected to cost RM150 million. The initiative aims to improve the airport’s capacity and infrastructure. The Sarawak Ministry of Transport will work closely with the Malaysian Ministry of Transport and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad to accelerate the project’s implementation.
At present, Miri Airport operates only a single international flight to Singapore, but relevant departments are actively pursuing the introduction of more routes, including direct flights to China. Discussions with China airlines are already in progress, and further funding requests have been made to support these new routes.
The upgraded facilities are anticipated to enhance Miri’s air connectivity and meet the growing demand for flights. The expansion will involve terminal upgrades to improve passenger flow for international travelers and the extension of the boarding bridge to accommodate six additional gates.
Improvements will also be made in the Rural Air Services (RAS) area, which will feature a dedicated lounge and baggage claim area for passengers heading to rural destinations, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable experience. These improvements are expected to benefit Miri and the surrounding region by enhancing the airport’s operational capacity, accommodating more passengers and larger aircraft, and boosting connectivity and tourism, which are essential for Miri’s economic development.
Furthermore, ground infrastructure will be upgraded, including enhancements to access roads and airport facilities to improve traffic flow and efficiency. The flight area will be optimized with a 10,000-square-meter expansion of the apron to provide two new aircraft parking bays.
