LTSIP runway expansion set for 2027 completion, to unlock long-haul flight potential — Loke
KOTA BHARU, April 19 — Malaysia is set to significantly boost its aviation connectivity in the East Coast as plans to extend the runway at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (LTSIP) move forward, with completion targeted by the end of 2027.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the runway extension project is expected to transform the airport’s operational capabilities, particularly by enabling longer-haul international routes in the future.
Current runway already supports regional flights
Despite the ongoing upgrade, Loke stressed that international flights do not need to wait for the runway extension to be completed. The airport’s existing 2,400-metre runway is already capable of supporting short- to medium-haul flights within the ASEAN region.
He noted that destinations such as Indonesia and Thailand, with flight durations of around two to three hours, are already within reach under current infrastructure conditions.
This means that LTSIP could begin expanding its international footprint in the near term, even before the completion of the runway project.
Extension to attract long-haul routes
However, the runway extension is seen as a key enabler for more ambitious expansion plans.
Once completed, the longer runway will allow aircraft to carry heavier fuel loads, making it feasible to operate flights covering distances of five to six hours.
This opens the door to potential routes connecting Kelantan to major destinations such as China and South Korea, significantly enhancing the state’s global accessibility.
Loke said the improved capability is expected to increase the attractiveness of LTSIP among both domestic and international airlines.
Airlines engagement ongoing
The Transport Ministry is currently in discussions with major local carriers, including Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Batik Air, to increase flight frequencies and expand route offerings.
At the same time, the government is encouraging more international airlines to consider operating out of LTSIP, as part of broader efforts to strengthen connectivity.
Better flight networks, he added, will play a critical role in driving visitor arrivals to Kelantan and supporting the growth of the tourism sector.
Strong domestic demand continues
Beyond international ambitions, LTSIP is already experiencing strong demand for domestic travel, particularly along the busy Kota Bharu–Kuala Lumpur corridor.
The route remains one of the most heavily trafficked in Malaysia, reflecting consistent passenger demand.
Currently, several major airlines — including Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Firefly and Batik Air Malaysia — operate services to Kota Bharu.
Together, they provide approximately 125 flights weekly across six key destinations: Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Penang and Subang.
Sustained growth in passenger traffic
Loke noted that this level of connectivity has contributed to steady growth in passenger traffic at the airport.
The combination of infrastructure upgrades and increasing airline participation is expected to further strengthen LTSIP’s position as a key aviation hub in the region.
As Malaysia continues to invest in airport development, LTSIP’s runway expansion is seen as a strategic move to unlock new economic opportunities, enhance regional integration, and support long-term tourism and business growth in Kelantan.
-wilayah.com.my
