Proposed Kuching airport could add RM1.8 billion a year to Sarawak GDP by 2050
A feasibility study found Tanjung Embang suitable for the project and estimated it could support approximately 37,919 full-time equivalent jobs.
A study estimates that the proposed New Kuching International Airport at Tanjung Embang could contribute approximately RM1.8 billion a year to Sarawak’s GDP by 2050 under a high-growth scenario, state Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said.
Addressing the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly on October 19, Lee said Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO) had completed the feasibility study. Its findings indicated that the site was suitable for the airport on both technical and operational grounds.
The study estimated that the airport could support approximately 37,919 full-time equivalent jobs throughout the broader economy. Construction of Phase One could support around 9,393 jobs a year during the projected six-year building period, Lee said.
Higher passenger numbers could also bring tourism receipts to RM3.99 billion by 2050, according to the study. Lee said potential opportunities extended to tourism, aviation services, air cargo, aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, aircraft parts manufacturing and aerotropolis development.
