Kota Kinabalu: Sabah should build a new international airport to address Kota Kinabalu International Airport’s (KKIA) dependence on a single runway, said Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) President Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan.
He said the Papar–Kimanis area should be considered in the feasibility and site-selection process, with the final location determined through technical, environmental, economic and accessibility studies.
Jeffrey said the need was highlighted by the temporary closure of KKIA’s runway on Sept 17 for rectification works, which affected at least 20 flights through delays, cancellations and diversions.
He said KKIA’s designed annual capacity of nine million passengers had already been exceeded in 2019 when it handled about 9.4 million passengers, adding that increasing terminal capacity without addressing dependence on a single runway was inadequate.
Jeffrey also called for the feasibility of a second runway or other interim solutions to be examined while ensuring KKIA continues operating safely and efficiently pending longer-term measures.
