Politics · Malaysia Bureau
New airport needed for Kota Kinabalu, says STAR president
Expanding the existing terminal will not address Kota Kinabalu airport's critical vulnerability to single-runway operations, according to STAR party president Jeffrey Kitingan. The call for a separate facility comes as infrastructure demands in Sabah's capital continue to mount.
LSN Malaysia ·
Jeffrey Kitingan has urged authorities to construct a new airport facility for Kota Kinabalu rather than rely solely on terminal expansion at the existing airport. The STAR president's remarks highlight growing concerns about the region's aviation infrastructure and its capacity to handle future demand.
Kitingan's position centres on a fundamental operational constraint: the city's primary airport depends on a single runway. While enhancing terminal facilities can accommodate more passengers, he contends this approach fails to address the underlying vulnerability in the airport's basic infrastructure.
The single-runway dependency poses significant risks during maintenance work or operational disruptions. A dedicated alternative facility would provide redundancy and ensure continuity of air services to Sabah's capital.
Kota Kinabalu airport, which serves as a crucial gateway for both domestic and international travel, has experienced considerable growth in recent years. The proposal for a separate airport reflects broader infrastructure planning discussions in the state, though specific timelines and feasibility assessments remain to be detailed.