Sultan Ismail Petra Airport
Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, designated by the IATA code KBR and ICAO code WMKC, is a significant transportation hub located in Kota Bharu, the state capital of Kelantan, Malaysia.
History
The airport originally began as Pengkalan Chepa Airport. The inaugural commercial flight to Kelantan occurred on April 6, 1938, following a route survey conducted by Wearne's Air Service. By April 3, 1940, regular scheduled flights were established, connecting Kota Bharu with Singapore, with stopovers in Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
In 1999, the Malaysian government announced plans to relocate the airport to a new terminal building. Construction commenced in September 2000, culminating in June 2002, with a total development cost of approximately RM55 million. This transition marked the airport's renaming to Sultan Ismail Petra Airport. The old terminal was repurposed to serve the Asia Pacific Flight Training flying school.
Developments and Upgrades
In May 2010, TRC Synergy Bhd's unit, Trans Resources Corp Sdn Bhd, was awarded a RM45.5 million contract to further upgrade the airport. This development was part of a broader initiative by the Ministry of Transport to enhance the airport's capabilities. The project involved the participation of Wira Akil Holdings Sdn Bhd as the primary contractor, with TRC as the sub-contractor.
Facilities and Operations
Sultan Ismail Petra Airport plays a critical role in connecting Kelantan to other major cities in Malaysia and beyond. It is strategically important for both commercial and training flights, with the Asia Pacific Flight Training academy operating from its premises. The airport, with its upgraded facilities, supports various airlines and routes, contributing significantly to the regional economy and tourism.
Legacy
The airport is named after Sultan Ismail Petra, who was the Sultan of Kelantan from 1979 to 2010. His reign is remembered for significant modernization efforts in the state, including transportation infrastructure enhancements.