KUALA LUMPUR (April 12): Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is embarking on comprehensive runway maintenance works in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in conjunction with its Runway Sustainability Master Plan.

Following the maintenance works, its Runway 3 will be closed from May 11 at 12.01am to June 7 at 3pm, according to a joint statement by MAHB, Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and Airline Operator Committee (AOC) today.

The airport operator said the scope of works will require overlaying works and some reinstatement of infrastructure works that include drainage and earthworks.

"It is expected that about 6% of daily flight movements will be affected by this closure.

"Nevertheless, all airlines operating at KLIA have committed to ensure the least possible inconvenience to passengers by giving early notification of any change in flight schedules," it said.

MAHB managing director Datuk Badlisham Ghazali said it is part of the group's obligation as the airport operator to put the highest priority in ensuring the sustainability and safety of all runways at airports under its management.

"Based on this master plan, Runway 3 is slated to undergo comprehensive maintenance works in 2018.

"In anticipation of this, we initiated a series of engagement sessions with all vested stakeholders such as the CAAM, AOC and ground handlers. These engagement sessions culminated in a joint decision by all parties to embark on a full runway closure for the duration of one month," he added.

At 2pm, MAHB fell 11 sen or 1.21% to RM9.01, bringing it a market capitalisation of RM14.95 billion.