Revamped Kota Bharu airport terminal to start operations tomorrow

2026-03-15 - 04:44

The official launching ceremony for the expanded Sultan Ismail Petra Airport terminal will be announced at a later date. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA: The transport ministry has announced the completion of expansion works at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, with the upgraded terminal set to be fully operational from tomorrow. Transport minister Loke Siew Fook said the upgraded facilities include a larger terminal building, the separation of departure and arrival levels to improve passenger flow, and a new kerbside layout featuring dedicated lanes for buses, taxis, and e-hailing services. “These improvements are expected to enhance the passenger travel experience and support smoother airport operations, particularly ahead of the upcoming festive season,” he said in a statement. Loke added that the expanded terminal increases the airport’s annual capacity from 1.5 million to 4 million passengers. Passenger movements reached 1.7 million in 2025, a 16.2% increase compared with the previous year, and the higher capacity is expected to accommodate the continued growth in passenger traffic. Loke said the expansion strengthens air connectivity to Kelantan while supporting the growth of the state’s tourism, business, and economic development. Currently, five airlines operate at the airport, serving six domestic routes and one international route to Singapore. The minister added that the official launching ceremony for the expanded terminal will be announced at a later date. Last month, the airport’s manager Suhaimi Abdul Sani said the upgraded terminal building had been tripled from 12,000 sq m to 36,000 sq m and the number of aircraft parking bays expanded from five to 11. The airport’s parking bays have also been increased from 350 to 1,300 spaces across multi-levels.