Malaysia: Construction, expansion of all airports deferred pending study, says Dr Wee

The construction and expansion of all airports in the country will be deferred pending a study on the aviation industry, says Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. He said the study called the National Airport Strategic Plan (NASP) would take up to two years to complete and is much needed in light of the present Covid-19 pandemic. All proposed airport projects, including the expansion and upgrade of the Kulim International Airport (KXP) in Kedah and the Penang International Airport will come under review. "The ministry will be embarking on a two-year study to come out with a National Airport Strategic Plan (NASP). This is crucial as the aviation sector has been badly hit by the Covid-19 global pandemic and will take at least two to three years to recover," he said in his ministerial reply on the motion of thanks on the Royal Address. He cited an example of the KPX and Penang International Airport, where both airports would be competing for passengers and it would not be economically viable.<br/>