Transport ·
Penang Airport's expansion: 12 million passengers, targeted June 2028
Penang International Airport is being expanded from 6.5 million to 12 million passengers a year, with completion expected in June 2028. In early July 2026 the state exco reported the first works package complete, the airside package about 70% done and procurement for the terminal package under way since 25 June.
Where the works stand
The expansion is being built in work packages. According to the state exco, as reported by Malay Mail on 3 July 2026, the first, WP01, is 100% complete and was certified on 1 July 2026. The airside package, WP02, was about 70% complete. The terminal package, WP03, has been designed, with procurement running from 25 June 2026.
The terminal is the part passengers will see, and it is the package at the earliest stage.
Capacity and the 2028 date
When the work is done, the airport is to handle 12 million passengers a year, up from 6.5 million. Completion is expected in June 2028: Bernama reported that date as the target of Malaysia Airports (MAHB) in July 2025, and Malay Mail reported it again on 22 September 2026.
Capacity is room for more passengers; by itself it does not add routes or flights. And June 2028 is a target, not an opening day.
Sources
- Malay Mail, 3 July 2026 — capacity from 6.5 million to 12 million passengers a year; state exco update: WP01 100% complete (certified 1 July 2026), airside WP02 about 70%, terminal WP03 designed with procurement from 25 June 2026
- Bernama, 18 July 2025 — Malaysia Airports' completion target of June 2028
- Malay Mail, 22 September 2026 — completion expected in June 2028
- The developer's nearby-amenities sheet, 2026 — Penang International Airport 7.3 km from Southbay
- The developer's M Amaya FAQ — expected completion, 2030
Published 22 September 2026
