Kota bharu: The Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (LTSIP) runway extension project, which is currently underway, is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook stated that international flight operations do not need to wait until the runway is completed, as the existing 2,400-metre runway is already sufficient for flights to ASEAN countries such as Indonesia and Thailand, typically taking between two and three hours.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Loke emphasized that once the runway is extended, it will be more attractive to airlines as aircraft will have sufficient take-off distance, especially when carrying heavier fuel loads. This development will enable longer-haul flights of about five to six hours, potentially opening routes to destinations like China or South Korea in the future.

Loke mentioned that the ministry will continue discussions with local airlines such as Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, and AirAsia to increase flight frequencies, while also welcoming the entry of international carriers into LTSIP. He noted that improved connectivity would attract more visitors to Kelantan and further boost the state's tourism sector.

In addition, Loke highlighted the strong demand for domestic travel at LTSIP, particularly on the strategic Kota Bharu-Kuala Lumpur route, which is among the busiest in the country. Currently, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Firefly, and Batik Air Malaysia operate flights to Kota Bharu with a total of 125 weekly flights covering six key destinations: Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Penang, and Subang. He added that this development has contributed to steady passenger traffic growth throughout the year.