25-1-2025 (KUALA LUMPUR) Malaysia’s primary international gateway is poised to restore its vital terminal connection as the Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s (KLIA) automated people mover system prepares for its comeback by mid-2025, following a prolonged suspension of nearly two years.
The RM456 million investment comprises three new state-of-the-art driverless trains, engineered to enhance passenger capacity and reduce transit times between the main terminal and satellite building to a mere three minutes. The upgraded system will operate with two active three-carriage trains whilst maintaining one in reserve.
Speaking exclusively to reporters following a press briefing, MAHB Managing Director Mohd Izani Ghani revealed that the service could resume as early as April, with June set as the latest deadline. “The testing phase is well underway, with 25 per cent of the required 80 safety and operational assessments already completed,” Ghani noted.
This development coincides with broader modernisation plans for the 26-year-old aviation hub, as outlined by Malaysia’s Transport Ministry in Parliament last December. The comprehensive upgrade encompasses new terminal construction, expansion of existing facilities, and the addition of a fourth runway.
The aerotrain suspension stemmed from a February 2023 incident that saw 114 passengers forced to evacuate mid-journey and walk along the 1.3-kilometre track between terminals. Since then, the airport has relied on a fleet of 37 buses to maintain inter-terminal connectivity.
The new Chinese-manufactured carriages boast an increased capacity of 270 passengers per direction, marking a significant improvement from the previous 230-passenger limit. The project, however, has weathered multiple setbacks, missing three successive completion targets between July 2024 and March 2025.
Airport authorities attribute these delays to contractual complications, including the termination of the original agreement and subsequent appointment of a new consortium. The current contract holders comprise local firm IJM, alongside subsidiaries of French transport giant Alstom and Malaysian power technology specialist Pestech International.
Passenger statistics underscore KLIA’s growing significance, with total throughput reaching 57.1 million in 2024, up from 47.2 million the previous year. Singapore-origin traffic showed particular strength, increasing 14 per cent to 1.98 million passengers. The Changi-KLIA route, maintaining its position among the world’s busiest air corridors, served 4.1 million travellers in 2024, compared to 3.6 million in 2023.
