The new Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) in Sepang is expected to be completed by early 2012, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd's (MAHB) managing director Bashir Ahmad said.

He said the LCCT is taking longer to complete as construction is being undertaken on the basis of a tender exercise.

"Also, we are currently redoing the design, as the new building is much bigger than the original concept.

"So, all this has resulted in more time being taken for completion," he told a press conference after the KLIA's 12th anniversary celebration in Sepang today.

Bashir, however, declined to give more details on the project, saying further announcements would be made later.

Commenting on the celebration, MAHB chairperson Aris Othman said KLIA has flourished, to become one of world's best known airports in a space of just 12 years of its operations.

"In the first half of 2010 alone, KLIA managed to rope in three Middle Eastern airlines in Mahan Air, Oman Air and Royal Jordanian.

"Last year, the airport handled 29.6 million passengers, an increase of 7.8 per cent compared to previously," he added.

He also attributed the outstanding performance to all agencies at the KLIA.

The KLIA has this year bagged three awards, namely for Best Airport Immigration Service, Staff Service Excellence in the South East Asia category at the Skytrax 2010 World Airport Awards and as the Best Brand in Transportation from Brand Laureate 2009-2010.

- Bernama