PUTRAJAYA: Runaway 3 of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang will be closed for a month starting May 11 to allow for comprehensive runway maintenance works.
Malaysia Airports said the temporary closure was in accordance with its Runway Sustainability Master Plan which necessitated the closure of Runway 3 from May 11 at 12.01am local time to June 7, 3pm local time.
Its managing director Datuk Badlisham Ghazali said it was part of their obligation as the airport operator to ensure the sustainability and safety of all runways at airports under its management.
“We have a comprehensive Runway Sustainability Master Plan where continuous assessment and monitoring is embedded into the plan.
“Based on this master plan, Runway 3 is slated to undergo comprehensive maintenance works in 2018. In anticipation of this, we initiated a series of engagement sessions with all vested stakeholders such as the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), Airline Operators Committee (AOC) and ground handlers.
“These engagement sessions culminated in a joint decision by all parties to embark on a full runway closure for the duration of one month,” he said in a statement today.
The scope of works will require overlaying works and some reinstatement of infrastructure including drainage and earth works.
It is expected that about six per cent of daily flight movements will be affected by this closure.
Nevertheless, the statement said all airlines operating at KLIA have committed to ensure the least possible inconvenience to passengers.
Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines on their flight schedules.