Kuantan: The construction of the Kuantan International Airport in Gebeng is anticipated to be completed by 2031, as announced by Datuk Mohamad Nizar Najib, the chairman of the Pahang Investment, Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee. The project is currently in the final stages of finalising technical requirements, the implementation structure, and the involvement of strategic investors.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the project's implementation is contingent upon meeting stringent technical requirements set by federal agencies, such as the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and the Ministry of Transport. These requirements focus on regulation, safety, and international flight operation standards. The state government, in collaboration with the developer, is engaging continuously with relevant agencies to ensure full compliance before moving forward with physical construction.

Datuk Mohamad Nizar emphasized that the project is being cautiously planned, prioritizing compliance with standards, investment viability, and transparent governance. This statement was made in response to a query from Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Cheka) regarding the current status and challenges of the airport's construction, which was initially scheduled to be operational this year.

The infrastructure development is set to be executed through private financing, with no financial involvement from state and federal government funds. The airport will be constructed on land owned by the Pahang Government Secretariat. The high-impact project demands meticulous planning due to its intended operational lifespan of 50 to 100 years and the need to adhere to the standards of involved agencies.

Datuk Mohamad Nizar assured that there is no urgency to rush the project, given its significant financial implications. He expressed confidence in the project's progress and hinted at an upcoming announcement by the developer, underscoring the project's steady advancement.