It subsequently said it has allocated 2 billion ringgit (US$540 million) to build a new low-cost terminal near the main airport as part of a massive economic stimulus package. To be built by 2011, the government hopes it will make Malaysia a major regional travel hub rivaling Singapore and Thailand, according to a Reuters report.
Malaysia Airports Holdings said it will be located only 1.5 kilometres west of KLIA, compared to 20 kilometres away for the existing budget terminal.
The new terminal, which will connect with existing airport infrastructure and the main terminal building at KLIA, will have an initial capacity to handle 30 million passengers a year, which can be expanded to 45 million people, as well as 70 aircraft parking bays, said Malaysia Airports managing director Bashir Ahmad.
The new budget terminal will also “ensure competitive growth of KLIA to emerge as a signifi cant hub in the region†rivaling Singapore’s Changi Airport and Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, he said.
Construction is expected to start by June and due for completion by third quarter of 2011 and will include a third runway costing 500 million ringgit (US$135 million), new taxiways for quick aircraft turnaround and transfer areas for easier connections. An express train line from the city to the main airport will also be extended to the new terminal.