Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is keeping a close eye on the runway at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), with priority accorded to dealing with any irregularities promptly, as and when they arise.
A spokesman for the company said the management took a serious view when it came to the safety of the runway.
“As part of our Safety Management Programme, regular runway inspections are conducted at KKIA to monitor pavement conditions and identify any rectification required,” he said.
He said maintenance and repair works were then carried out based on the established programme and findings.
“These inspections and maintenance activities form part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that the runway remains safe and operationally fit for aircraft movements.
“Where rectification is required, the necessary works will continue to be undertaken, with operational decisions guided by safety considerations.”The spokesman said routine safety inspections were made every day of the various amenities at the KKIA, including the runway, to ensure their “operational integrity”.
“Where the runway is concerned, dedicated maintenance is performed twice a week.
“The runway is closed between 2.45am and 5.00am on these occasions to allow for this upkeep.”The spokesman was responding to the outcry over the temporary closure of the runway between 2.45pm and 11.30pm on Thursday.
More than 20 flights were affected during this nine-hour period, with some either delayed or cancelled, while others had to be diverted to Sandakan or Labuan.
Among the affected flights were those from outstation towns like Tawau, locations in Peninsula Malaysia and international ones like Guangzhou.
At the time, MAHB issued notices over social media to inform and update the public about the progress of the “rectification works” which necessitated the closure of the runway.
Several unhappy airline passengers, as well as those waiting for friends and family on incoming flights, bemoaned the hassle they experienced due the cancellations and delays.
In each and every instance, they wanted to better understand what prompted the temporary closure of the KKIA runway.
These individuals separately provided Hotline with the pertinent details, regarding their grouses, which were forwarded to MAHB.
The spokesman said the company regretted the inconvenience caused to passengers and stakeholders at the airport because of the closure.
The “rectification works” undertaken on September 17 addressed localised surface wear arising from normal runway operations, according to him.
He declined to elaborate on the precise nature of the repairs which were being made.
“A localised section was found to have experienced a sudden deterioration,” he said.
“This required immediate rectification outside the regular maintenance window.” He said the unscheduled closure was, therefore, essential to prioritise runway safety.
“However, the persistent rainfall that day affected the progress of the works and extended the time required to complete them safely.”
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