Proposed Kuching international airport could contribute RM1.8b annually to Sarawak GDP by 2050, says state minister

KUCHING, Oct 19 — According to a feasibility study by Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO), the proposed New Kuching International Airport (NKIA) at Tanjung Embang could inject approximately RM1.8 billion annually into Sarawak's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the year 2050, assuming a high-growth scenario. The study also revealed that NKIA could potentially generate about 37,919 full-time equivalent jobs across the broader economy.

During the construction phase, specifically Phase One, it is estimated to create around 9,393 jobs annually over a six-year period. Lee Kim Shin, the Sarawak Minister for Transport, highlighted during the finalization of his ministry's debate at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly that NKIA has the potential to foster wider economic opportunities in sectors such as tourism, aviation services, and supporting industries like air cargo, aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, aircraft parts manufacturing, and aerotropolis development.

Furthermore, the study projects that an increase in passenger traffic could lead to RM3.99 billion in tourism receipts by 2050, which could attract new investments, bolster local businesses, create employment, and stimulate overall economic growth in Sarawak.