GEORGE TOWN, October 17 — The expansion project for Penang International Airport (PIA) is officially underway, with passenger movements expected to reach 7.8 million by the end of the year. Penang’s state exco for tourism and creative economy, Wong Hon Wai, confirmed that the project team is currently preparing the site for construction, which involves three packages: ancillary buildings, apron and airside facilities, and the main terminal building.
The entire expansion is slated for completion by 2028, with coordination efforts also in place for an upcoming LRT station near the airport. As of September 2024, PIA has recorded a total of 5,553,881 passengers, marking a 6.78% increase compared to the previous year. Currently, the airport operates at a capacity of 6.5 million passengers, which has often led to overcrowding. With the new expansion, the airport aims to accommodate up to 12 million passengers annually.
Additionally, to enhance operations, PIA will introduce 10 e-gates in the international departure and arrival halls starting in November, along with 30 additional immigration staff to facilitate smoother processing for travelers.
