Miri Airport to undergo RM445 mln upgrade under 13MP as passenger traffic doubles

Loke (fourth left) adressing a press conference at the launch of the Kuching BAS.MY new routes at Summer Mall in Kota Samarahan on May 9, 2026.

By Wilfred Pilo

KOTA SAMARAHAN, May 9: The Ministry of Economy has approved the RM445 million Miri Airport Terminal Upgrading Project in Sarawak under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), with the allocation approved on April 27, 2026.

Minister of Transport Anthony Loke said the approval marked a significant development for Miri Airport, which is the second busiest airport in Sarawak after Kuching International Airport.

“Miri Airport plays an important operational role for Sarawak, serving as a primary domestic hub and the main hub for Rural Air Services (RAS) operated by MASwings, now known as AirBorneo, connecting Sarawak and Sabah,” he said during a press conference after launching the new BAS.My routes in Kuching at Summer Mall today.

He revealed that passenger traffic at Miri Airport has grown from 2 million passengers per annum (MPPA) to 4 million, prompting the need for terminal expansion to meet future demand.

To improve operational efficiency, Loke said the upgraded airport would feature greater use of automated and self-service systems for check-in and departure processes.

“The goal is to maintain the optimum Level of Service set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) while ensuring the airport can accommodate rising traffic demand,” he said.

He added that the project would also include additional facilities equipped with digital systems, as well as upgrades to aircraft parking bays.

“This enhancement will improve comfort and enhance the overall user experience, especially for Rural Air Services (RAS) passengers,” he said.

Also present at the launch were Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong, Ministry of Transport secretary-general Datuk Seri Jana Sathiran Muniayan, Sarawak Ministry of Transport permanent secretary Wong Hee Siang, Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) Sarawak chairman Michael Kong Feng Nian, and Biaramas Express Sdn Bhd managing director Lai Sin Kiong. — DayakDaily