Ruth Haines
Borneo is a large island with challenging overland travel, so flying is one of the major means of transport. The island is well-served by international and local airlines, with an extensive network of airports and local flights. The biggest airport in Borneo is Sultan Aji Muhamad Sulaiman Airport (BPN) in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, which saw 6,620,750 passengers in one year. However, the busiest airport in Borneo is Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), which is the second busiest in Malaysia. KKIA is located in Kota Kinabalu, the state capital of Sabah, Malaysia, and handled over 7.95 million passengers in 2024, though it recorded over 9 million in 2019.
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What You'll Learn
Kota Kinabalu International Airport is the busiest airport in Borneo
Borneo is a large island with challenging overland travel, so flying is one of the major means of transport. The island is served by an extensive network of airports and local flights, with Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) being the busiest airport in Borneo and the second busiest in Malaysia.
Located in the state capital of Sabah, KKIA is approximately 8km (5 miles) southwest of the city centre. The airport handled over 7.95 million passengers in 2024, though this fell short of its peak in 2019, when it recorded over 9 million passengers. It is also the third busiest airport in Malaysia for cargo. As the primary gateway to East Malaysia, KKIA serves as the main hub for MASwings and a secondary hub for Firefly and Malaysia Airlines. It is also the second largest hub for AirAsia Malaysia.
The airport offers several amenities for passengers, including free WiFi, a proper lost and found department, and special assistance for disabled guests and the elderly. There are also plenty of duty-free shopping options and dining facilities, with famous brands such as 7-Eleven, The Body Shop, and Starbucks. The Plaza Premium Lounge for international flights offers exceptional services and facilities, including meals, beverages, workstations, and shower facilities.
Due to the airport's increasing importance as a regional hub, significant infrastructure upgrades have been made over the years. In 2023, the Transport Ministry approved a RM442.3 million investment for further expansion and modernisation, with work commencing in Q3 2025 and concluding in 2028. The long-term expansion plans aim to increase the airport's capacity from 9 million to 15.4 million passengers annually.
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The airport was originally a military airfield
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is the busiest airport in Borneo and the second busiest in Malaysia. The airport is located in Kota Kinabalu, the state capital of Sabah, Malaysia, approximately 8 km (5.0 mi) southwest of the city centre. The airport handled over 7.95 million passengers in 2024, though this fell short of its peak in 2019, when it recorded over 9 million passengers.
As domestic air travel grew, Sabah Airways Limited (later known as Borneo Airways) began operations in 1953, connecting Kota Kinabalu to other towns in Sabah, including Sandakan, Kudat, Ranau, Keningau, and Tawau. This expansion significantly boosted the airport's importance as a regional hub. With increasing air traffic and the need to accommodate larger aircraft, the airport underwent significant infrastructure upgrades. By 1957, the airport's original grass strip runway was resurfaced with bitumen, and a new terminal was constructed.
Over the years, Kota Kinabalu International Airport has continued to expand and modernize to accommodate growing passenger numbers. Terminal 2, originally known as "Airport Lama," was the first terminal at the airport. It remained inactive after most operations moved to the new terminal in the 1980s until it was renovated in 2006 to accommodate low-cost carriers. Due to congestion and limited space, all operations were eventually consolidated into Terminal 1, and Terminal 2 closed in 2015. The airport continues to receive government funding for expansion and infrastructure enhancement projects, ensuring its ability to handle increasing passenger volumes and supporting regional economic growth.
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It has two terminals, with Terminal 1 accommodating the Airbus A380
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is the busiest airport in Borneo. It is located in Kota Kinabalu, the state capital of Sabah, Malaysia, approximately 8 km (5.0 mi) southwest of the city centre. The airport handled over 7.95 million passengers in 2024, making it the second busiest airport in Malaysia.
Kota Kinabalu International Airport has two terminals. Terminal 1, also known as the "New Airport", was constructed in the 1970s and 1980s. It underwent a major expansion project in 2006, which included extending the runway to 3,780 meters to accommodate larger aircraft. This expansion allowed Terminal 1 to accommodate the Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger aircraft. The size of Terminal 1 was also increased from 34,000 m2 (370,000 sq ft) to 87,000 m2 (940,000 sq ft), increasing the airport's capacity to 12 million passengers annually. Terminal 1 offers various amenities, including duty-free shopping, dining facilities, and special assistance for disabled guests and the elderly.
Terminal 2, originally known as the "Old Airport" (Airport Lama), was the first terminal at Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Before the construction of Terminal 1, almost all commercial flights operated from this terminal. Today, Terminal 2 handles 3 million passengers annually and provides efficient facilities for domestic and international travellers. It is equipped with lounges, dining options, and WiFi connectivity.
The airport has a convenient location for travellers, with taxis and buses readily available for transportation to and from the city centre. The airport also houses several general aviation companies, including Sabah Air Aviation, Sabah Flying Club, and Layang Layang Aerospace, reflecting its importance as a regional hub.
In summary, Kota Kinabalu International Airport, the busiest airport in Borneo, effectively accommodates passenger traffic through its two terminals. Terminal 1, with its expanded capacity and ability to handle the Airbus A380, plays a crucial role in the airport's capability to manage a large volume of travellers and modern aircraft.
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The airport handled 7.95 million passengers in 2024
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is the biggest airport in Borneo. It is located in Kota Kinabalu, the state capital of Sabah, Malaysia, approximately 8 km (5.0 mi) southwest of the city centre. The airport, with its IATA code BKI and ICAO code WBKK, is the second busiest airport in Malaysia in terms of both passenger and aircraft movements.
In 2024, Kota Kinabalu International Airport handled 7.95 million passengers. This made it the second busiest airport in Malaysia, after Kuala Lumpur International Airport, which presumably handled more passengers. The number of passengers in 2024 fell short of its peak in 2019, when it recorded over 9 million passengers. The airport is also the third busiest in Malaysia for cargo.
Kota Kinabalu International Airport serves as the primary gateway to East Malaysia and is a crucial hub for several airlines. It is the main hub for MASwings, a secondary hub for Firefly and Malaysia Airlines, and the second-largest hub for AirAsia Malaysia, after KLIA2. Several general aviation companies also call the airport home, including Sabah Air Aviation, Sabah Flying Club, and Sazma Aviation.
The airport offers a range of amenities for its passengers, including free WiFi services, a lost and found department, and special assistance for disabled guests and the elderly. There are two airport lounges, one for international travellers and another for domestic travellers, both providing exceptional services and facilities. The airport also features a variety of duty-free shopping options and dining facilities, with popular food chains like McDonald's, Starbucks, and KFC.
To accommodate the increasing passenger volume and support regional economic growth, the Transport Ministry approved a RM442.3 million investment in November 2024 for the airport's expansion and modernisation. The work is set to commence in Q3 2025, with the final phase concluding in 2028. The expansion plans aim to increase the airport's capacity from 9 million to 15.4 million passengers annually.
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It is home to several general aviation companies
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is the biggest airport in Borneo. It is located in Kota Kinabalu, the state capital of Sabah, Malaysia, approximately 8 km (5.0 mi) southwest of the city centre. In 2024, the airport handled over 7.95 million passengers, making it the second busiest airport in Malaysia.
The airport is home to several general aviation companies, including Sabah Air Aviation, the Sabah Flying Club, Sazma Aviation, and Layang Layang Aerospace. These companies have established their main bases at KKIA, taking advantage of its infrastructure and strategic location.
Sabah Air Aviation is a well-established aviation company in Sabah, providing a range of services such as aerial tours, charter flights, and aircraft maintenance. They offer scenic flights over the beautiful landscapes of Borneo, including the Kinabatangan River and Mount Kinabalu. The Sabah Flying Club, on the other hand, is a renowned flying school that provides flight training for aspiring pilots. It offers a range of courses, from private pilot licences to commercial pilot certifications.
Sazma Aviation is a specialised aviation company that provides aircraft charter and management services. They cater to a diverse range of clients, including businesses, individuals, and government agencies, offering customised flight solutions. Layang Layang Aerospace, another prominent company based at KKIA, is an aircraft maintenance and repair organisation. They provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for a variety of aircraft, ensuring airworthiness and safety.
By having their main bases at KKIA, these general aviation companies benefit from the airport's modern facilities, efficient operations, and convenient location. They contribute to the vibrant aviation industry in Borneo, catering to the diverse needs of passengers, businesses, and aircraft owners in the region.
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Frequently asked questions
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is the busiest airport in Borneo and the second busiest in Malaysia. It is located in Kota Kinabalu, the state capital of Sabah, Malaysia, approximately 8 km (5.0 mi) southwest of the city centre.
KKIA offers free WiFi, a proper lost and found department, and special assistance to disabled guests and the elderly. The airport is also equipped with two lounges, one for international travellers and another for domestic travellers. There are plenty of duty-free shopping options, ranging from fashion accessories to confectionery and dining facilities.
Some alternative airports in Borneo include:
- Kuching International Airport (KIA)
- Brunei International Airport (BWN)
- Miri Airport (MYY)
- Sibu Airport (SBW)
