As Subang Airport embarks on a significant redevelopment journey set to culminate in 2030, travellers and workers are urging for immediate improvements in road traffic management around the area to accommodate the anticipated increase in flights and airlines.
The 477.33-hectare airport, slated for extensive upgrades, currently faces connectivity and road condition challenges that need urgent attention.
"The access roads to and from the airport can become highly congested, particularly during peak travel times on weekdays," noted Zack Mizan, with 15 years of experience as an airport taxi driver. "Travelers frequently need to make two U-turns when exiting the airport to reach the Damansara-Shah Alam Elevated Expressway (DASH) and the Ara Damansara area for travel to Kuala Lumpur, which is very inconvenient," he added.
Zack, 50, emphasizes the necessity for a more direct route to DASH, highlighting that such a connection would significantly ease congestion. "The unnecessary extra travel time contributes to increased traffic, especially during rush hours. This might necessitate the government acquiring or utilizing land owned by the Defence Ministry to improve access," he noted.
The surrounding area of Subang Airport, marked by early and scattered development and underutilized vacant land, presents an opportunity for better planning and utilization to revive the once bustling airport precinct. Zack affirmed that addressing these longstanding infrastructure challenges is crucial for supporting the airport's growth over the next decade.
Amin, 35, a ground employee at the airport, highlighted the need for upgrading the main road leading to the airport. He noted, "The stretch closer to the airport is still two lanes, while other areas have three lanes." He also mentioned that the airport's proximity to industrial zones results in uneven, flood-prone roads, which the Transport Ministry needs to address in collaboration with local authorities.
Peak traffic hours, identified by Zawiyah, a food and beverage outlet supervisor, exacerbate the situation.
"It's extremely congested here during these hours. I've seen many passengers miss their flights because they didn't account for the traffic," she shared.
Frequent business traveller Shaun Chen, 41, appreciates the easy access to Subang Airport but acknowledges the need for improvements. "I believe the airport's overall appearance and exterior could benefit from improvements. I'm eager to see it transformed into a vibrant, modern, and attractive landmark of Subang," he stated.
In February, the government approved the Subang Airport Regeneration Plan (SARP), a visionary project aimed at transforming the airport and its surrounding area by 2030. The plan envisions Subang Airport as a business aviation hub, aerospace ecosystem, and city airport, complete with a drone test area and aircraft maintenance facility.
As Subang Airport prepares for its ambitious expansion, it is clear that enhancing road infrastructure and connectivity is imperative. By addressing these issues, the airport can ensure a seamless experience for travellers and support its growth into a leading aviation hub.
By: Kpost
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