KUALA LUMPUR: The Runway 3 at the KL International Airport (KLIA) will be closed for one month from May 11 for maintenance  and this could see about 6% of daily flight movements  affected.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said on Thursday it would embark on the comprehensive runway maintenance works in accordance with its runway sustainability master plan. Hence, the runway would be close from 12.01am on May 11 to 3pm on June 7. 

A joint statement by MAHB, Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia and Airlines Operators Committee said the scope of works will require overlaying works and some reinstatement of infrastructure works that include drainage and earth works. 

“It is expected that about 6% of daily flight movements will be affected by this closure,” they said in the statement.

They said all airlines operating at KLIA have committed to ensure the least possible inconvenience to passengers by giving early notification of any change in flight schedules. Passengers should check with their respective airlines on their flight schedules.
 
MAHB managing director Datuk Badlisham Ghazali said it was part of their obligation as the airport operator to put the highest priority in ensuring the sustainability and safety of all runways at airports under their management. 

“We have a comprehensive Runway Sustainability Master Plan where continuous assessment and monitoring are 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.