Minister Of Communications Pleased With The Brunei International Airport Modernisation Project Progr

The Minister of Communications, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdullah bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar today conducted a site visit to the Brunei International Airport. Also present during the site visit was Yang Mulia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications, Yang Mulia Awang Haji Matnor bin Haji Salleh, the Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary and senior officers from the Ministry of Communications and the Department of Civil Aviation. During the visit, the minister was briefed by officials from the BEDB and the main contractor TRC on the overall progress of the airport modernisation project which covers both air side and land side areas, including the recently announced scheduled operation of the new Arrival Hall on 1st October 2013.

The Brunei International Airport modernisation project is expected to be fully completed at the end of 2014. Aimed at improving the existing environment and appearance, the project is expected to enhance convenience to passengers and the public through the expansion of floor areas, the development of iconic structures and green features, as well as the installation of a much improved security system, baggage handling system and access control. The number of check-in and immigration counters will also be doubled.

It is envisaged that the overall look and feel of the airport will be 'modernised' with the introduction of an open concept of high ceiling space for the new departure and arrival halls as well as additional retail areas. The expansion is expected to double the airport's handling capacity from 1.5 million to 3 million passengers annually. The modernised airport is also expected to boost Brunei Darussalam's efforts to develop itself as a competitive air logistics hub in the region.

The Minister was pleased with the overall construction progress especially on the opening of the new Arrival Hall well ahead of the upcoming ASEAN Summit.