Kelantan’s Sultan Ismail Petra Airport undergoes a major RM300 million upgrade, enabling international flights and boosting the state’s economic and tourism potential
KOTA BHARU: Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud has thanked the federal government for its commitment to a major upgrade of the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (LTSIP).
He said the project, implemented under the 12th Malaysia Plan, is the largest since the airport was built.
“This project involves the expansion of the terminal as well as the extension of the runway from 2,400 metres to 2,800 metres, enabling the operation of larger, international-class aircraft,” he said at the terminal’s opening ceremony.
The upgrade will allow the airport to handle international flights, including a new Kota Bharu-Jakarta route expected to start in June.
Mohd Nassuruddin said this will catalyse more dynamic and sustainable economic growth for Kelantan.
He also highlighted the ongoing construction of the Palekbang Bridge to Kota Bharu, slated for completion by the end of 2027.
This bridge will improve links between two districts and strengthen a strategic route from the Malaysia-Thailand border to the airport.
“This will give Kelantan an advantage to emerge as a key gateway to the region,” he said, reinforcing its role as a regional hub.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the opening of the upgraded terminal earlier today.
He was witnessed by Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
