Expert warns of Subang airport congestion without proper planning

 

Beginning Aug 1, FireFly, AirAsia, Batik Air, SKS Airways, Transnusa and Scoot resumed narrow-body aircraft operations out of Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) in Subang.

PETALING JAYA: 

A transport consultant says careful management is needed to prevent congestion and inefficiencies in operations following the return of jetliners to Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) in Subang.

Wan Agyl Wan Hassan said while this move would make air travel more accessible and efficient, a well-coordinated approach was crucial to ensure smooth operations and better services for travellers.

“Malaysia should focus on improving transportation links, such as the Skypark Link that connects SZB to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) via KL Sentral, ensuring easy transfers for passengers.

Flight schedules between SZB and KLIA should also be coordinated to avoid redundancies and to make the most of route planning,

 he told FMT.

Wan Agyl cited issues faced by Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports to emphasise the need for seamless integration and coordinated planning.

He said  while Haneda manages domestic and short-haul flights effectively, it struggles with congestion and transfers to Narita for long-haul flights.

Clearly defining the roles of each airport, with SZB focusing on domestic and short-haul regional flights, and KLIA on long-haul international flights, can create a more effective and connected aviation network,

 he said.

Last month, transport minister Loke Siew Fook announced the return of jetliners to SZB starting Aug 1, with six airlines -FireFly, AirAsia, Batik Air, SKS Airways, Transnusa, and Scoot -resuming narrow-body aircraft operations.

He also revealed enhancements to SZB’s Skypark terminal, including reconfiguring the apron for six narrow-body jets, adding 14 check-in counters, self-service kiosks, and upgrading security, customs and immigration facilities.

Loke added that the Skypark Link, a train service connecting KL Sentral station to the airport’s Skypark Terminal, would resume operations by 2027, once the new terminal was ready.

Wan Agyl also warned that increasing flights at SZB could exacerbate traffic congestion in the area, which is already problematic during peak hours.

Therefore, traffic management needs to be thoroughly planned with this new announcement,

 he said.

A boost to the local economy

Economist Goh Lim Thye from Universiti Malaya said the return of the jetliners to SZB would lead to economic benefits, such as higher revenues for airlines and airport operations.

The local economy, including areas like Kampung Subang, Ara Damansara and Sunway, will also experience significant growth, impacting the tourism, hospitality and retail sectors,

 he told FMT.

Goh predicts job creation across various sectors, including airport operations and auxiliary services, adding that this would increase revenue and activity around the airport.

He said the redistribution of passengers to SZB could alleviate congestion at KLIA Terminal 1 and 2.

This will allow Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) to focus on addressing issues, such as those highlighted in the study that ranked KLIA as the eighth worst airport in Asia, and could lead to improved service quality and infrastructure,

 he said.

In March, UK-based website Business Financing ranked KLIA the eighth worst airport in Asia, based on average ratings from business travellers.

Goh said the return of jetliners to SZB would also enhance Malaysia’s aviation market competitiveness with more flight options and improved connectivity.

This can encourage more frequent travel, benefitting both the local economy and the broader aviation market,

 he said. - FMT