KKIA decision must be based on evidence, says logistics group

The institute of logistics professionals has called for a comprehensive assessment to be carried out on the future of Kota Kinabalu International Airport to determine whether to retain, expand or relocate the airport.

Daniel Doughty, the Sabah chairman of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Malaysia, said decisions on the state’s principal aviation gateway should be based on reliable evidence and balanced assessments rather than predetermined positions.

In a statement following a public forum on the future of KKIA held in Kota Kinabalu yesterday, he said: “Our responsibility isn’t to tell the public what to think, but to provide the information that will allow the public to form better judgement.”

Doughty said any decision whether to retain or relocate KKIA required rigorous evaluation, taking into account development costs, financing requirements, environmental impact and long-term economic implications.

The forum featured aviation consultant Edward Clayton and former civil aviation regulator Chester Voo, who shared their perspectives on KKIA’s future development.

Doughty said expanding airport facilities alone would not guarantee more airlines or establish a successful aviation hub, as passenger demand, airline profitability and supporting industries were equally important.

The institute welcomed the state government’s plan to undertake an integrated transport and logistics master plan study in 2027, covering air, land and maritime connectivity. It said airport development should be assessed as part of a wider transport and logistics strategy to ensure infrastructure investments deliver tangible economic benefits.