Mukah, MY 🇲🇾 Closed Airport Scheduled Service
MY-0009
-
13 ft
MY-13
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Loading...GPS Code: Not available
Local Code: Not available
Location: 2.907082° N, 112.077756° E
Continent: AS
Type: Closed Airport
Keywords: MKM WBGK
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| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
08/26 |
3599 ft | 75 ft | ASP | Active |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|
December 3, 2021. The airport officially ceased all operations on this date. The final flight, MASwings flight MH3552 to Miri, departed in the afternoon. All services were transferred to the new Mukah Airport (IATA: MKM, ICAO: WBGK), which commenced operations the following day, December 4, 2021.
The airport was closed due to being replaced by a new, larger, and more modern facility. The primary reasons for its replacement were:
1. **Infrastructure Limitations:** As a STOLport (Short Take-Off and Landing), it had a short runway (approximately 1,097 meters) that could only handle small 19-seater de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft.
2. **Capacity Upgrade:** The new airport was built to accommodate larger ATR 72-500 aircraft, significantly increasing passenger and cargo capacity.
3. **Economic Development:** The upgrade was a strategic move by the Malaysian and Sarawak governments to boost the local economy, support the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), and enhance tourism and business travel to the Mukah Division.
The site is now defunct and the land has been handed over by the federal government to the Sarawak state government. The runway, apron, and small terminal building are still visible but are no longer maintained for aviation use. Given its prime location within the town of Mukah, the state government has announced plans to redevelop the 69.4-acre site into a mixed-development project, potentially including commercial centers, housing, and public amenities to further spur local economic growth.
Old Mukah STOLport was a critical air-link in Sarawak's Rural Air Services (RAS) network for several decades. It was operated by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and primarily served by MASwings. The airport provided essential connectivity for the residents of the Mukah Division, linking the coastal town to major hubs like Miri, Sibu, and Kuching. For many years, it was the fastest and most reliable mode of transport for passengers, mail, and light cargo, playing a vital role in the social and economic life of the region before significant improvements were made to the road network. The airport's IATA code (MKM) and ICAO code (WBGK) were transferred to the new airport upon its closure.
There are zero prospects for reopening the Old Mukah STOLport. Its function has been entirely and permanently superseded by the new Mukah Airport, which is located approximately 7km away and offers vastly superior facilities, a longer runway (1,500 meters), and the ability to handle larger aircraft and higher passenger volumes. The land of the old airport is considered more valuable for urban redevelopment.