Penang:Penang International Airport (PIA) has been honored with the CAPA, Centre for Aviation's Asia Small/Medium Airport of the Year award, acknowledging its operational efficiency, innovative services, and significant contribution to regional economic growth.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia Airports emphasized the strategic role of PIA as a crucial gateway to northern Malaysia, facilitating essential connectivity that bolsters tourism, trade, and investment in the region.
In the first half of this year, PIA managed four million passenger movements, split between 2.2 million international and 1.8 million domestic travelers. By September, 27 airlines were operating routes that linked Penang to 22 destinations.
Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani, managing director of Malaysia Airports, highlighted Penang's dual role as a major tourism destination and a pivotal player in Malaysia's aspirations to become a leader in high-value manufacturing. He underscored the airport's expansion as integral to Penang's broader infrastructure development, aimed at meeting the needs of industries, investors, and communities, while facilitating airline growth.
The award was presented at the CAPA Asia and Environmental Sustainability Awards for Excellence held in Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan, on October 1, coinciding with the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Asia.
Mohd Izani expressed that the award was a testament to the diligent efforts of the airport team and its partners. He reiterated Malaysia Airports' commitment to enhancing PIA to further support Penang's development.
Ongoing expansion efforts at PIA aim to increase its annual passenger handling capacity from 6.5 million to 12 million. This project involves enlarging the main terminal and aircraft apron, alongside improving supporting infrastructure to accommodate more passengers and aircraft.
The enhanced capacity is projected to bolster Penang's tourism sector and international business connections, particularly in manufacturing and investment. PIA is also collaborating with airlines and tourism partners to extend its route network, with the additional capacity expected to provide more travel options and strengthen northern Malaysia's access to global markets.