Transfer Of Airasia Operations From Main Terminal Of KKIA To Terminal 2 Is Temporary

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 -- The Transport Ministry's decision that AirAsia Bhd transfer its operations from the Main Terminal of the Kota Kinabalu International Airport(KKIA), to the Terminal 2, is a temporary measure.

The Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Panglima Lajim Ukin said the move was until upgrading works to the KKIA's Main Terminal is completed.

"The move is intended to avoid any disruption to flight operations and work at the site where the upgrading to the Main Terminal is being undertaken," he said.

AirAsia had been informed of the matter and was ready to transfer operations back to the Main Terminal once the project was completed, he told the Dewan Rakyat today.

Lajim was responding to a question from Dr Hiew King Cheu (DAP-Kota Kinabalu) on the reason for AirAsia to transfer operations from Terminal 2, which had cost millions of ringgit to build, back to the Main Terminal after the upgrading works.

He said that the original objective of upgrading the Main Terminal would not be realised if the terminal building and parking apron was not fully utilised.

"The issue of passenger traffic still arises, especially for those from and to selected airports, planning to use AirAsia or MASWings," said Lajim.

At the same time, he said the facilities for aircraft operations on the parking apron of Terminal 2 was very limited.

"As such, the transfer is to support the need of additional aircrafts or that of aircrafts bigger than the Boeing 737 or the Airbus A320 as well as operational service requirements," he added.

He said that if AirAsia continued with its operations at the Terminal 2, it would impact on the efficiency of air traffic control with problems related to runway crossings, continuing to exist for the airlines' aircraft taking off from runway 02 and landing on runway 20.

With the completion of upgrading works to the Main Terminal, he said that there would be greater efficiency and comfort with regards to the transfer of passengers and flight connections.

The KKIA masterplan will focus on infrastructure expansion in the vicinity of the Main Terminal as there was vacant land available for development.

The Terminal 2 vacated by AirAsia, will not be left idle.It will be used by agencies such as the Royal Malaysian Air Force, the Police and others as Transmile, flying clubs, private aircraft and serve as a cargo handling centre.