Miri Airport Expansion Officially Begins — Capacity Boosted to 4 Million Passengers, A New Aviation Hub Is Rising
Did you know? Miri Airport is about to undergo the largest expansion project in its history. With passenger traffic continuing to grow (reaching 2.4 million this year, exceeding the original 2-million capacity), upgrading has become urgent.
Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin announced that the preliminary design will be completed this month, followed by the VAVE (Value Analysis & Value Engineering) stage to finalize the project’s cost and structural planning.
Once completed, the expanded Miri Airport will feature a larger terminal, smoother passenger flow, and upgraded facilities, raising its handling capacity to 4.0 million passengers per annum (MPPA). This marks a major step toward building a true regional aviation hub in Northern Sarawak.
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Miri Airport Expansion — Key Highlights
Project Overview
• Current annual traffic: 2.4 million passengers
• Original capacity: 2.0 million (long-term overcapacity)
• Post-expansion capacity: 4.0 million (MPPA)
• Lead agency: Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR)
• Supported by the Ministry of Transport; federal submission after design completion
• Estimated construction period: 36 months (after receiving LOA)
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Expansion Scope (Blueprint Highlights)
1. Terminal Building Works
• Upgrade and refurbish the existing terminal
• New separated departure and arrival flows
• More spacious, comfortable and efficient passenger experience
• Terminal size expanded to approximately 29,000 m² (from 16,900 m²)
2. Landside Infrastructure Works
• Full upgrade of airport road system
• Improved vehicle traffic flow
• Introduction of Smart e-Hailing management
• Smoother and safer airport access
3. Airside Infrastructure Works
• Reconfigured aircraft parking apron
• Aerobridges increased to 9 (from the current 3)
• Supports more flights and reduces waiting time
4. Utilities Upgrade
• Upgraded Central Utilities Building (CUB)
• Improved water reticulation system
• Comprehensive upgrade of sewage treatment facilities
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What the New Miri Airport Will Offer
Bigger Capacity
Terminal area nearly doubled, with handling capability raised to 4.0 MPPA.
More Flights
Aerobridges increased from 3 to 9.
This reduces peak-hour congestion and allows airlines to introduce more routes and higher flight frequency.
Smoother Traffic Flow
Better-designed vehicle access, making drop-off, pick-up and ride-hailing more convenient.
Improved Passenger Comfort
Separated arrival and departure pathways reduce crowding and enhance the airport experience.
Stronger Hub Potential
The upgraded airport will better serve as:
• A key aviation hub for Northern Sarawak
• A connector between Borneo and major Malaysian cities
• A potential gateway for future regional international routes
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Significance of the Expansion
1. Strengthens Miri’s role as Northern Sarawak’s aviation hub
2. Supports tourism, oil and gas, and business sectors
3. Boosts regional economic activity and investment
4. Improves city connectivity and external image
5. Enables future route expansion (East Malaysia – Indonesia – Brunei – Philippines)
6. Encourages development around the airport (Airport Road, Eastwood, Taman Tunku)
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What facilities would you like to see added at the new Miri Airport?
