Kota Kinabalu International Airport upgrading to increase handling capacity to 12 mil passengers by 2028
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), the second busiest aviation hub in Malaysia, will be further exapnded to cater for more passangers.
The Federal Cabinet’s had approved a massive RM442.3 million expansion project which is currently underway since November 2024, indirectly pushing away any rumours of a relocation to nearby Kimanis.
The primary objective of the expansion is a significant boost in annual passenger capacity, raising the ceiling from 9 million to 12 million passengers.
This upgrade is timely; according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke, KKIA had already breached its design threshold as early as 2019, recording 9.4 million passengers before the pandemic slowed global travel.
With traffic rebounding to 7 million in 2023 and projected to hit 12.4 million by 2034, the expansion is a necessary response to prevent chronic congestion.
Planned improvements at Kota Kinabalu International Airport
Structurally, the project includes several critical airside and landside enhancements.
The main terminal building is being extended to accommodate more international traffic, and seven additional aircraft parking bays are being constructed. This will bring the total to aircraft parking bays to 33.
To address the persistent parking woes of travelers, a new multi-storey car park is also part of the master plan.
These physical upgrades are expected to be fully completed by mid-2028, with construction already on-going since 2025.
The expansion of this project is being executed through a Private Financing Initiative (PFI) with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) bearing the full cost without government guarantees.
It is noted that MAHB will utilize an investment recovery model, potentially through reduced user fees paid to the government, as stipulated in their operating agreement that extends to 2069.
In addition, the new improvements will also include technological modernization with MAHB integrating Airport 4.0 technology in KKIA.
This technology includes automated baggage handling systems, real-time monitoring of security checkpoints, and RFID tracking and advanced screening to reduce wait times and streamline the passenger journey.
By the end of 2026, RM11.8 million will also be used for refurbishment of basic amenities at the airport which include the upgrade and building of 196 toilet cubicles, baby care rooms, and improved plumbing systems.