Kota Kinabalu International Airport

Airport serving Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Kota Kinabalu International Airport

Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kota Kinabalu

* IATA: BKI
* ICAO: WBKK
* WMO: 96471

Summary
Airport type| Public
Owner| Khazanah Nasional
Operator| Malaysia Airports
Serves| Greater Kota Kinabalu (also West Coast and Interior divisions of Sabah)
Location| Kepayan and Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Hub for|

* Firefly
* Malaysia Airlines
* MASwings

Operating base for| AirAsia
Time zone| MST (UTC+08:00)
Elevation AMSL| 3 m / 10 ft
Coordinates| 05°56′41″N 116°03′31″E﻿ / ﻿5.94472°N 116.05861°E﻿ / 5.94472; 116.05861
Website| airports.malaysiaairports.com.my/kota-kinabalu
Map

BKI/WBKK

Location in Sabah state

Show map of Sabah

BKI/WBKK

Location in East Malaysia

Show map of East Malaysia

BKI/WBKK

Location in Borneo

Show map of Borneo

BKI/WBKK

Location in Malaysia

Show map of Malaysia

BKI/WBKK

Location in Southeast Asia

Show map of Southeast Asia

Runways
| Direction | Length  | Surface

|
|

m  | ft
02/20  | 3,780  | 12,402  | Asphalt
Statistics (2023)
| Passengers| 7,044,345 ( 40.3%)

|

Cargo (tonnes)| 56,927 ( 16.3%)
Aircraft movements| 60,490 ( 13.8%)

Source: official website[1]
AIP Malaysia[2]

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) (IATA: BKI, ICAO: WBKK) is an international airport 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 after Kuala Lumpur International Airport in terms of both passenger and aircraft movements, though the number fell short of its peak in 2019, when it recorded over 9 million passengers. It is also the third busiest 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.[3][4] Additionally, it is the second largest hub for AirAsia Malaysia, after KLIA2.[5] The airport is also home to several general aviation companies, including Sabah Air Aviation, Sabah Flying Club, Sazma Aviation and Layang Layang Aerospace, which have established their main bases at KKIA.

## History

[edit]

Kota Kinabalu International Airport

### Military Airfield and Post-War Development

[edit]

The airport began as a military airfield built by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II.[6] It was originally known as Jesselton Airfield, with Kota Kinabalu then being called Jesselton. The airfield suffered significant damage from Allied bombings towards the end of the war.[7] After the war, the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) of North Borneo, which later became part of Malaysia's Sabah state, took over the airport's operation and maintenance.

With the end of the war, Jesselton Airfield was rehabilitated for civilian use. The Department of Civil Aviation began overseeing its operations and maintenance. This marked the beginning of its transition from a military installation to a public airport, laying the foundation for future commercial air travel in the region.

### Transition to Civil Aviation

[edit]

Regular passenger services commenced in May 1949 with a weekly flight operated by Malayan Airways from Singapore, stopping at Kuching and Labuan. The route was extended to Sandakan in September 1949.[8] By 1950, the airport became a stopover point for biweekly flights between Hong Kong and Labuan, via Manila and Sandakan, operated by Cathay Pacific.[9][10]

As domestic air travel grew, Sabah Airways Limited (later known as Borneo Airways) started operations in 1953, connecting Kota Kinabalu to other towns in Sabah, including Sandakan, Kudat, Ranau, Keningau and Tawau.[11] 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 began significant infrastructure upgrades. By 1957, the airport's original grass strip runway was resurfaced with bitumen, and a new terminal was constructed.[6] This marked the beginning of the airport's transformation into a modern facility capable of handling more frequent commercial flights.

The runway underwent further extensions in the following years. By 1959, the runway was lengthened to 1,593 meters, allowing the operation of turboprop aircraft like the Malayan Airways turboprop Viscount aircraft. In 1963, the runway was lengthened again to 1,921 meters to accommodate the Comet 4 operated by Malaysian Airways.

As passenger traffic grew, the need for a larger terminal became apparent. In 1967, Cathay Pacific began operating a twice-weekly Convair 880 jet service to Hong Kong with a stop in Manila.[12]

### Expansion Plans and New Terminal Construction

[edit]

In 1969, a British consultancy firm was appointed to develop a Master Plan for the airport,[citation needed] which included proposals for significant upgrades, such as reinforcing and extending the runway to 2,987 meters to accommodate Boeing 707 and 747 jets, building a new terminal, and installing modern navigation and communication systems.

During the 1970s and 1980s, a new terminal was built on the opposite side of the runway, with almost all commercial flights shifted to this larger, more modern terminal. The original terminal became known as the "Old Airport" (Airport Lama).

### Corporatisation and Modernisation

[edit]

In 1992, the Department of Civil Aviation of Sabah was corporatised, and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad took over the management of KKIA.[6] A major expansion project for both terminals began in 2006, with Terminal 1 undergoing renovation and the runway extended to 3,780 meters, allowing the airport to accommodate larger aircraft like the Airbus A380.

Schematic map of the airport

A major renovation and expansion of Terminal 1 was approved in mid-2005 by the Malaysian federal government, with the project costing RM1.4 billion. The runway was extended from 2,988 m (9,803 ft) to 3,780 m (12,402 ft), and the size of Terminal 1 was increased 34,000 m2 (370,000 sq ft) to 87,000 m2 (940,000 sq ft). The airport's air traffic control tower was relocated to a new standalone structure.[13] The expanded Terminal 1 can accommodate four Boeing 747s, one Airbus A330, seven Boeing 737s, three Fokker 50s and three Dorniers at any given time. It has 12 jetways for passenger use.[14][15]

The expansion allowed KKIA to handle the world's largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380. As a result, the airport's capacity increased to 12 million passengers annually—9 million for Terminal 1 and 3 million for Terminal 2.[16]

Terminal 2, originally known as "Airport Lama," was the first terminal at Kota Kinabalu International Airport. After most operations moved to the new terminal in the 1980s, it remained inactive until 2006, when it was renovated to accommodate Low-cost carriers. The renovation was completed ahead of schedule, and the terminal reopened on 1 January 2007, in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2007.[17]

Due to congestion and limited space, all operations were eventually consolidated into Terminal 1, leading to Terminal 2's closure on 1 December 2015. The terminal is now used for cargo, charter flights, and general aviation.[18]

### Future Developments

[edit]

In July 2023, Malaysia Airports Sdn Bhd (MASB) announced a RM8.4 million allocation for a facelift program. The project includes refurbishing public toilets, resurfacing the runway, upgrading commercial lots and modernising the public address (PA) system to improve passenger comfort and operational efficiency.[19]

In October 2023, Transport Minister Anthony Loke revealed long-term expansion plans aimed at increasing the airport's capacity from 9 million to 15.4 million passengers annually. As part of these efforts, the Transport Ministry is exploring the acquisition of adjacent land to facilitate the expansion under the 12th Malaysia Plan. The development is currently in the master planning phase, with consultations involving architecture and development firms.[20] Currently developers and architecture companies are on the masterplanning phase for this project.[21]

By the first quarter of 2024, Malaysia Airports unveiled a detailed three-year action plan for the airport's expansion, divided into two phases. Planned upgrades include extending the international terminal building by adding one additional gate, constructing new aircraft bays and developing a multi-level car park. Additionally, significant improvements to both landside and airside facilities will be implemented. These upgrades will boost Terminal 1's capacity from 10 million to 12 million passengers annually and enable the airport to accommodate up to 33 aircraft simultaneously.[22]

On November 13, 2024, the Transport Ministry approved a RM442.3 million investment for the airport's expansion and modernisation. This funding will support infrastructure enhancements to ensure KKIA remains equipped to handle increasing passenger volumes and play a pivotal role in supporting Sabah's tourism and business sectors, as well as regional economic growth.[23] Work commencement is set to begin in Q3 2025 with the final phase of the project to conclude in 2028.[24]

## Proposed relocation to Kimanis

[edit]

For the proposed airport in Kimanis, see KKIA@Kimanis.

In June 2022, Berjaya Land and Sabah's Qhazanah Sabah Bhd signed a memorandum of understanding to explore relocating Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) to Kimanis, about 60 km from the city.[25][26] By July 2023, Qhazanah Sabah's chairman reported positive feedback from a feasibility study presented to the Sabah Economic Planning Unit and Transport Ministry, though final approval awaited the State Cabinet's decision.

The proposal involved developing 6,070.5 hectares for the new airport, airport city and related infrastructure. However, it faced widespread criticism for its necessity, the proposed site's rural location,[27] the inconvenience to passengers, and the lack of public transportation.[28] Critics also argued the existing airport could be expanded and that relocation would economically disadvantage Kota Kinabalu.[29]

By early 2024, Sabah's Chief Minister Hajiji Noor and Federal Minister of Transport Anthony Loke confirmed there were no plans to relocate, citing the current airport's sufficiency and the high costs of the new site.[30][31]

## Terminals

[edit]

Overview of Kota Kinabalu International Airport Terminal 1 Check-in counters, Terminal 1 Narrow-body gate view of terminal 1 and hangar

### Terminal 1

[edit]

Terminal 1 is the newer and the main terminal of KKIA. It can be accessed via Jalan Kepayan, Jalan Lintas and Jalan Putatan located in the suburb or township of Kepayan. The terminal is capable of handling 9 million passengers per annum and is equipped with the following facilities:

* 64 check-in counters for international and domestic flights
* Two baggage x-ray check-in machines and five hand luggage x-ray machines (three for departures, one for VIPs and one for staff)
* 36 immigration counters (16 for departures and 20 for arrivals)
* Six baggage carousels
* Five floors (first floor: arrival hall, second floor: airline offices and inter-state departures, third floor: check-in counters and domestic/foreign departures, fourth floor: Malaysia Airports office, fifth floor: Malaysia Airports administration office)
* 12 aerobridges (to provide jetway facilities for landing arrangements of either five widebody aircraft along with two narrowbody aircraft or 12 narrowbody aircraft)
* 22 aircraft parking bays capable of accommodating wide-body, narrow-body and turboprop aircraft
* 1,400 car parking bays

The Departure Hall column head design is inspired by the 'Wakid' basket design. A 'Wakid' is, in Sabahan tradition, a symbol of preparing for a meaningful journey. Some ethnic patterns of the Rungus and Bajau ethnic groups are also incorporated into the design of the floor tiles.

The first flight to depart at the new wing was MH2637 to Kuala Lumpur at 06:50 while the last flight at the old wing was at 00:25. Malaysia Airlines is the main operating airline in this terminal.[32]

Generally, flights operating into and out of KKIA Terminal 1 are serviced by narrow-body aircraft. However, during peak travel periods, airlines such as Malaysia Airlines,[33] AirAsia,[34] Batik Air Malaysia[35] and Jin Air[36] will upgrade their equipment to wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A330-300 and Boeing 777-200LR.

Additionally, KKIA was the first airport in Malaysia to welcome the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operated by Royal Brunei during several product introductory flights in November 2013.[37] As to date, the largest aircraft to have utilize the terminal are the B777-300ER[citation needed] and Airbus A350 XWB.[38]

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, KKIA experienced issues during peak periods where aircraft parking is limited. A temporary workaround by Malaysian Airports was the introduction of a few new aircraft remote bays situated beside the MASkargo hangar. The remote bay allows either three additional narrowbody aircraft or one widebody and one narrowbody aircraft at any given time. Also introduced was the revision on current turboprop aircraft to narrowbody jet parking to allow more B737/A320 aircraft.[39] The remote bay construction has been completed in August 2022 which mostly use by freighter airlines.[citation needed]

### Terminal 2

[edit]

Antonov-124 at Terminal 2

Terminal 2 was the original terminal building of the airport when it was first built. It is accessed via Jalan Mat Salleh in Tanjung Aru and is located on the other side of the runway from Terminal 1. Terminal 2 served charter and low-cost carriers, the main airline utilizing the terminal being AirAsia.

In 2006, Terminal 2 underwent a major renovation and extension to accommodate low-cost carriers, reopening on 1 January 2007 in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2007. The works were completed 27 months ahead of schedule. It had 26 check-in counters for domestic and international flights and nine parking bays capable for narrow-body aircraft as well as seven luggage x-ray machines, a VIP room and 13 immigration counters. The terminal had the capacity to handle 3 million passengers annually.[16]

The lobby hall at Terminal 2 during its operation

However, with limited expansion space and the congestion at Terminal 2, as well as to consolidate all airlines operations in one terminal, airlines at Terminal 2 was ordered to move to Terminal 1. The decision was opposed by AirAsia, and the airline refused to move despite a government directive to do so, missing the deadline five times as of 1 August 2015.[40] The issue was resolved when AirAsia agreed to move to Terminal 1 on 1 December 2015, and Terminal 2 was closed at midnight that day.[17] The terminal will be converted for cargo, charter, VIP flights and general aviation use.[18]

The Terminal currently serves for cargo operators such as Raya Airways and several General Aviation companies such as Weststar and Layang-Layang. Recently, during a state event with many VIPs in attendance, private jets on charter were moved to Terminal 2 to avoid congestion aircraft parking bays on Terminal 1. This includes a Boeing BBJ2 and Boeing 747-8 (BBJ).[41]

## Airlines and destinations

[edit]

### Passenger

[edit]

Airlines| Destinations

|

AirAsia |  Beijing–Daxing,[42] Bintulu, Fukuoka (begins 15 August 2025),[43] Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Ho Chi Minh City,[44][45] Hong Kong, Johor Bahru,[46] Kota Bharu, Kuala Lumpur–International, Kuching, Miri, Penang, Sandakan, Seoul–Incheon,[5][47] Shanghai–Pudong, Shenzhen, Sibu, Singapore, Taipei–Taoyuan, Tawau
Air Busan |  Busan[48][49]
Asiana Airlines |  Seasonal: Seoul–Incheon[50]
Batik Air Malaysia |  Kuala Lumpur–International, Kuala Lumpur–Subang,[51] Seoul–Incheon (begins 12 September 2025),[52] Tawau[51]
China Southern Airlines |  Guangzhou
Firefly |  Kuching, Kuala Lumpur–International (begins 21 August 2025),[53] Kuala Lumpur–Subang (ends 20 August 2025),[54][53] Penang, Sandakan, Tawau[55]
HK Express |  Hong Kong (begins 28 November 2025)[56]
Indonesia AirAsia |  Jakarta–Soekarno-Hatta[57]
Jeju Air |  Seoul–Incheon
Jin Air |  Seoul–Incheon
Malaysia Airlines |  Kuala Lumpur–International
MASwings |  Labuan, Lahad Datu, Lawas, Limbang, Mulu
Philippines AirAsia |  Manila
Royal Brunei Airlines | Bandar Seri Begawan
Scoot |  Singapore[58]
Shanghai Airlines |  Shanghai–Pudong[59]
T'way Air |  Seoul–Incheon[60]
Seasonal Charter: Daegu[61]
XiamenAir |  Fuzhou[62]

### Cargo

[edit]

Airlines| Destinations

|

Kargo Xpress[63] |  Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur–International, Shenzhen
MASkargo |  Bandar Seri Begawan, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur–International, Labuan
Raya Airways |  Kuala Lumpur–International, Kuala Lumpur–Subang, Nanning
SF Airlines |  Shenzhen
Teleport
operated by AirAsia |  Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur–International[64]
World Cargo Airlines |  Kuala Lumpur–International, Macau, Miri

## Traffic and statistics

[edit]

### Traffic

[edit]

This graph was using the legacy Graph extension, which is no longer supported. It needs to be converted to the new Chart extension.

|

Annual passenger traffic at BKI airport. See 1949). FILTER (?year < YEAR(NOW())) } } AS %airport WHERE { { # Get the sum of monthly values within a year SELECT ?item ?year (SUM(?max_numberperperiod) AS ?number) (SAMPLE(?monthly_reference_URL) AS ?monthly_reference_URL2) WHERE { # Get the maximal value and a sample reference URL for each unique month { SELECT ?item ?year (MAX(?numberperperiod) AS ?max_numberperperiod) (SAMPLE(?reference_URL) AS ?monthly_reference_URL) WHERE { INCLUDE %airport ?timevalue wikibase:timePrecision ?precmonth. FILTER (?precmonth =10)# precision = month } GROUP BY ?item ?year ?date } } GROUP BY ?item ?year } UNION { ?timevalue wikibase:timePrecision ?precyear. FILTER (?precyear =9)# precision = year BIND (?numberperperiod AS ?number) BIND (?reference_URL AS ?sample_reference_URL) INCLUDE %airport } OPTIONAL {?item wdt:P1813 ?this. # has shortname FILTER(LANG(?this)="en") } SERVICE wikibase:label { bd:serviceParam wikibase:language "[AUTO_LANGUAGE],en,en". ?item rdfs:label ?itemLabel.} BIND(COALESCE(?this,?itemLabel) as ?shortname) } GROUP BY ?item ?shortname ?year ORDER BY ?item DESC (?year)">Wikidata query.

Annual passenger numbers and aircraft statistics Year  | Passengers
handled  | Passenger
% change  | Cargo
(tonnes)  | Cargo
% change  | Aircraft
movements  | Aircraft
% change

|
|
|
|
|
|

1994 | 2,096,241 |  | 24,270 |  | 40,608 |
1995 | 2,554,181 |  21.8 | 29,537 |  21.7 | 43,882 |  8.0
1996 | 2,622,190 |  2.7 | 23,099 |  21.8 | 45,726 |  4.2
1997 | 2,732,146 |  4.2 | 37,203 |  61.1 | 49,148 |  7.5
1998 | 2,393,431 |  12.9 | 27,942 |  24.9 | 38,716 |  21.2
1999 | 2,752,207 |  15.0 | 27,087 |  3.1 | 40,634 |  5.0
2000 | 3,092,326 |  12.3 | 27,347 |  1.0 | 41,411 |  2.0
2001 | 3,036,196 |  1.8 | 24,887 |  9.0 | 40,157 |  3.0
2002 | 3,256,212 |  7.2 | 28,112 |  13.0 | 44,528 |  10.9
2003 | 3,302,366 |  1.4 | 25,638 |  8.8 | 44,748 |  0.5
2004 | 3,918,201 |  18.6 | 27,191 |  6.1 | 52,352 |  17.0
2005 | 3,975,136 |  1.4 | 25,473 |  6.3 | 51,824 |  1.0
2006 | 4,015,221 |  1.0 | 28,356 |  11.3 | 52,055 |  0.4
2007 | 4,399,939 |  9.6 | 35,638 |  25.7 | 52,047 |  0.01
2008 | 4,689,164 |  6.6 | 34,532 |  3.1 | 54,317 |  4.4
2009 | 4,868,526 |  3.8 | 25,079 |  27.4 | 53,554 |  1.4
2010 | 5,223,454 |  7.3 | 26,733 |  6.6 | 55,241 |  3.2
2011 | 5,808,639 |  11.2 | 28,534 |  6.7 | 59,638 |  8.0
2012 | 5,848,135 |  0.7 | 23,563 |  17.4 | 58,366 |  2.1
2013 | 6,929,692 |  18.5 | 21,922 |  7.0 | 67,601 |  15.8
2014 | 6,792,968 |  2.1 | 23,769 |  8.4 | 73,074 |  8.1
2015 | 6,573,461 |  3.2 | 24,768 |  4.2 | 71,209 |  2.6
2016 | 7,263,339 |  10.5 | 28,764 |  16.1 | 70,138 |  1.5
2017 | 8,006,446 |  10.2 | 27,372 |  4.8 | 73,237 |  4.4
2018 | 8,622,488 |  7.7 | 28,039 |  2.4 | 79,044 |  7.9
2019 | 9,445,494 |  9.5 | 28,664 |  2.2 | 83,580 |  5.7
2020 | 2,302,514 |  75.6 | 41,724 |  45.6 | 32,081 |  61.6
2021 | 1,123,673 |  51.2 | 63,104 |  51.2 | 23,634 |  26.3
2022 | 5,022,516 |  347.0 | 68,000 |  7.8 | 53,148 |  55.5
2023 | 7,044,345 |  40.3 | 56,927 |  16.3 | 60,490 |  13.8
Source: Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad[65]

### Statistics

[edit]

Busiest flights out of Kota Kinabalu International Airport by frequency as of July 2024 Rank | Destination | Frequency
(weekly)

|
|

1  |  Kuala Lumpur | 168
2  |  Tawau | 57
3  |  Sandakan | 35
4  |  Kuching | 29
5  |  Lahad Datu | 28
6  |  Seoul | 25
7  |  Labuan | 21
8  |  Guangzhou | 21
9  |  Penang | 17
9  |  Johor Bahru | 17
10  |  Hong Kong | 15
11  |  Shanghai | 14
12  |  Singapore | 13
13  |  Miri | 12
14  |  Bandar Seri Begawan | 8
15  |  Beijing | 7
15  |  Hangzhou | 7
15  |  Mulu | 7
15  |  Shenzhen | 7
15  |  Sibu | 7
15  |  Taipei | 7
15  |  Wuhan | 7
16  |  Bintulu | 5
17  |  Busan | 4
17  |  Manila | 4
17  |  Jakarta | 4
18  |  Fuzhou | 3
18  |  Kota Bharu | 3
18  |  Limbang | 3

## Accidents and incidents

[edit]

* 6 June 1976 – A chartered Sabah Air aircraft carrying several government ministers crashed in nearby Sembulan upon descending towards the airport, killing 11 passengers including the then-Chief Minister of Sabah Tun Fuad Stephens.[66]
* 4 September 1991 – A chartered Grumman Gulfstream II aircraft crashed into a hill while on approach to the airport, killing all 12 people on board.[67]

## See also

[edit]

* KKIA@Kimanis

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Malaysia Airports". Archived from the original on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
2. ^ WBKK – KOTA KINABALU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT at Department of Civil Aviation Malaysia
3. ^ "Firefly to set up secondary hub in KK". The Star. 6 April 2023. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
4. ^ "Firefly tubuh hab sepenuhnya di Sabah pada Mei". Sabah Media. 6 April 2023. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
5. ^ a b "AirAsia solidifies Kota Kinabalu as its second-largest hub in Malaysia with new route to Seoul". AirAsia Newsroom. 5 December 2023.
6. ^ a b c Profile Archived 27 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine, Department of Civil Aviation, Sabah. Accessed 10 April 2007.
7. ^ "USAAF Chronology". Archived from the original on 13 November 2020. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
8. ^ Ivor Kraal (15 May 1949). "Singapore Skyline". NLB. The Straits Times. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
9. ^ "Singapore Skyline". eresources.nlb.gov.sg/. The Straits Times. 14 May 1949. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
10. ^ Colonial Reports - North Borneo 1951. London: Her Majesty Stationery Office. 1951. p. 77.
11. ^ Colonial Reports - North Borneo 1953 (PDF). London: Her Majesty Stationery Office. 1954. p. 127.
12. ^ timetableimages.com, Cathay Pacific 16 April 1967 system timetable
13. ^ "KKIA to get ILS in 2014" Archived 6 August 2013 at the Wayback Machine, Malaysian Insider,
14. ^ "Airport expansion of national interest: CM" Archived 26 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine, Daily Express News, 12 April 2006.
15. ^ Design and Build Contract – Upgrading of the Kota Kinabalu International Airport Project (Package 1 – Terminal Building and Landside Infrastructure & Facilities) Archived 27 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine, WCT Engineering Berhad. Accessed 11 May 2007.
16. ^ a b "LCC terminal ready year end" Archived 26 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine, Daily Express News, 23 May 2006.
17. ^ a b Sario, Ruben (30 November 2015). "KKIA Terminal 2 to close from midnight". The Star (Malaysia). Archived from the original on 12 December 2015. Retrieved 1 December 2015.
18. ^ a b "Airasia must relocate from KKIA'S 'land-locked' terminal 2, says MAHB". The Sun Daily (Malaysia). 17 September 2015. Retrieved 1 December 2015.
19. ^ "RM8.4mil allocated for KKIA upgrades, RM11mil for Tawau airport". the star. 25 July 2023.
20. ^ "KK airport expansion on the cards, says Loke". FMT. 11 October 2023.
21. ^ "MAHB Airport Masterplans For Penang, Kota Kinabalu, Tawau". hlarchitecture. 8 September 2022. Retrieved 6 December 2023.
22. ^ "MAHB: Upgrading, development plans for Kota Kinabalu International Airport". malaymail. 7 February 2024.
23. ^ "Govt agrees to RM442.3mil upgrade for Kota Kinabalu airport". Free Malaysia Today | FMT. 13 November 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
24. ^ "KK airport expansion project to start in third quarter". NewStraitsTimes. 14 January 2025.
25. ^ "Sabah govt investment arm signs MoU with Berjaya Land to explore moving Kota Kinabalu International Airport to Kimanis". The Edge. 30 June 2022.
26. ^ "Berjaya Land And QSB Study Feasibility In Relocating Sabah Airport". Business Today. 30 June 2023.
27. ^ "'Don't waste money on relocating KK airport, Sabah govt told". Daily Express. 20 July 2023.
28. ^ "People over profits: Leave KK airport alone". The Malay Mail. 19 July 2023.
29. ^ "Warisan, Umno against resiting Kota Kinabalu International Airport". Daily Express. 5 September 2023.
30. ^ "Hajiji says no immediate need to move KKIA". Daily Express. 17 January 2024.
31. ^ "Loke: No plans to build new airport in KK". Mew Straits Times. 11 March 2024. Archived from the original on 19 August 2013. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
32. ^ Kota Kinabalu International Airport, A-Z World Airports Online. Accessed 11 May 2007.
33. ^ "Malaysia Airlines will be upgrading its services using the Airbus A330 to Kota Kinabalu on 20 and 30 April, as well as 1 May". Malaysia Airlines. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
34. ^ "AirAsia Extends A330 Schedule to Oct 2022". aero routes. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
35. ^ "Batik Air Malaysia Adds A330 Domestic Flights in late-July 2023". aero routes. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
36. ^ "Jin Air NW23 Kota Kinabalu Aircraft Changes". aero routes. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
37. ^ "Book International Flights to Asia - Royal Brunei Airlines". Retrieved 18 November 2016.
38. ^ "MAS Airbus A350 conducts test flight to KKIA". The Borneo Post. 10 January 2018. Retrieved 18 November 2019.
39. ^ "KOTA KINABALU FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION KOTA KINABALU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTTHE PROPOSED PARKING APRON EXPANSION, RECONFIGURATION OF AIRCRAFT STAND, PAVEMENT REHABILITATION AND ITS ASSOCIATED WORKS WORK SCHEDULE AND MOVEMENT AREAS RESTRICTION".
40. ^ Yeong, Eva (17 September 2015). "AirAsia to stay put at KKIA Terminal 2". The Sun Daily (Malaysia). Retrieved 13 August 2015.
41. ^ "Sultan Johor, Brunei antara tetamu majlis perkahwinan anak KM Sabah". Berita Harian (Malaysia). 17 September 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
42. ^ "AirAsia Expands Beijing Flight Offering in NS23".
43. ^ "AirAsia Adds Taipei – Fukuoka Sector From mid-August 2025". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 29 May 2025.
44. ^ "Airasia launches Kota Kinabalu-Ho Chi Minh City routes".
45. ^ "AirAsia Adds Kota Kinabalu - Ho Chi Minh City Service from Dec 2024". AeroRoutes. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
46. ^ "Johor route for AirAsia".
47. ^ "AirAsia adds Kota Kinabalu-Seoul Incheon service from March 2024". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 7 December 2023.
48. ^ "Air Busan schedules Kota Kinabalu service from May 2019". Routesonline.
49. ^ "Air Busan May-July 2022 Busan International Network Resumption". AeroRoutes. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
50. ^ "Asiana Airlines Sep/Oct 2024 Seoul – Kota Kinabalu Seasonal Operations". aeroroutes. 22 June 2023.
51. ^ a b "Batik Air Malaysia Expands Kota Kinabalu Network in Jan 2025". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
52. ^ "Batik Air Malaysia Adds Kota Kinabalu – Seoul Service in 3Q25". Aeroroutes. 14 April 2025.
53. ^ a b "Firefly Moves Jet Operation to KLIA From mid-August 2025". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 31 July 2025.
54. ^ "Firefly starting jet ops from Subang Airport Aug 29, 2024". nst.com.my. 22 July 2024. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
55. ^ "Firefly reinstates jet ops from Penang with direct flights to Johor Bahru, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu". TheEdgeMarkets. 17 February 2022.
56. ^ Liu, Jim (15 July 2025). "HK Express Adds Kota Kinabalu From late-Nov 2025". AeroRoutes.
57. ^ "Indonesia AirAsia Offers Direct Flights from Jakarta to Kota Kinabalu". Newsroom AirAsia. 6 February 2024.
58. ^ Lim, Sean (22 November 2018). "Frequent fliers on some SilkAir routes will soon have to fly Scoot, SIA announces ahead of merger". businessinsider.sg. Archived from the original on 30 October 2019. Retrieved 30 October 2019.
59. ^ "Shanghai Airlines Resumes Kota Kinabalu Service In 3Q23". AeroRoutes. 5 June 2023.
60. ^ "T'Way Air Adds Seoul – Kota Kinabalu Service From late-June 2023". AeroRoutes. 16 May 2023.
61. ^ "T'way Air Adds Daegu – Kota Kinabalu Charters in 3Q25".
62. ^ "Xiamen Airlines Resumes Fuzhou – Kota Kinabalu Service From late-June 2024". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
63. ^ "Malaysia's Kargo Xpress outlines fleet growth plans".
64. ^ "Teleport A321F Routes". Teleport Facebook page. 29 August 2023.
65. ^ "Malaysia Airports: Airports Statistics 2020" (PDF). malaysiaairports. 2 April 2021. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 August 2019. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
66. ^ Ranter, Harro. "ASN Aircraft accident GAF Nomad N.22B 9M-ATZ Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI)". aviation-safety.net. Retrieved 1 August 2019.
67. ^ Ranter, Harro. "ASN Aircraft accident Grumman American G-1159 Gulfstream II N204C Kota Kinabalu". aviation-safety.net. Retrieved 1 August 2019.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

* Kota Kinabalu International Airport at Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad
* KKIA Kota Kinabalu International Airport at Ministry of Transport (Malaysia)
* The old KKIA Terminal 2
* Current weather for WBKK at NOAA/NWS
* Accident history for BKI at Aviation Safety Network

* v
* t
* e

Airports in Malaysia (statistics)

West Malaysia|

* Alor Setar
* Ipoh
* Johor Bahru
* Kota Bharu
* Kuala Terengganu
* Kuala Lumpur–International
* Kuala Lumpur–Subang
* Kuantan
* Langkawi
* Malacca
* Penang
* Redang
* Tioman

East Malaysia|

* Ba'kelalan
* Bario
* Bintulu
* Kota Kinabalu
* Kuching
* Labuan
* Lahad Datu
* Lawas
* Limbang
* Long Akah
* Long Banga
* Long Lellang
* Long Seridan
* Marudi
* Miri
* Mukah
* Mulu
* Sandakan
* Sibu
* Tanjung Manis
* Tawau

This lists airports in Malaysia with scheduled passenger services. Airports with scheduled international services are bolded.

* v
* t
* e

Sabah Development Corridor

SDC cities and towns|

* Kota Kinabalu
* Sandakan
* Tawau

SDC infrastructure|

* Kota Kinabalu International Airport
* Sepanggar

SDC tourism|

* Mount Kinabalu
* Poring
* Kinabalu National Park
* Sipadan Island
* Ligitan Island

SDC educational|

* University of Malaysia Sabah (UMS)

* v
* t
* e

Buildings in the Kota Kinabalu metropolitan

Administration|

* Kota Kinabalu City Hall
* Kota Kinabalu Court Complex
* Sabah International Convention Centre
* Sabah State Administrative Centre
* Sabah State Legislative Assembly
* Sabah Tourism Board
* Sabah Trade Centre
* Tun Mustapha Tower
* Wisma Innoprise
* Wisma Tun Fuad Stephens

Education|

* Universiti Malaysia Sabah

Healthcare|

* Queen Elizabeth Hospital
* Queen Elizabeth Hospital II
* KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital

Hotel or residence|

* Bay 21
* Jesselton Hotel
* Jesselton Twin Towers
* Sutera Harbour

Malls|

* 1Borneo Hypermall
* Centre Point Sabah
* Imago KK Times Square
* Karamunsing Complex
* Suria Sabah
* Wisma Merdeka

Museum|

* Sabah Islamic Civilisation Museum
* Sabah Museum (headquarters)

Place of worship|

* Che Sui Khor Moral Uplifting Society
* Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
* Peak Nam Toong Temple
* Pu Tuo Si Temple
* Sacred Heart Cathedral
* Sabah State Mosque

Transportation|

* BRT Kota Kinabalu
* KK Sentral
* Kota Kinabalu International Airport

Mixed infrastructures|

* 1Sulaman
* Aeropod
* Grand Merdeka
* Jesselton Quay
* Jesselton Residences
* Karambunai Integrated Resort City
* Kota Kinabalu City Waterfront
* Kota Kinabalu Convention City
* One Jesselton Waterfront
* PacifiCity
* Plaza Shell
* Petronas Office Tower
* Tanjung Aru Eco Development

Others|

* Jesselton Freemason Hall
* Sabah Hakka Complex
* Sabah State Library (headquarters)
* Tanjung Aru Library
* The Skybridge City Centre Kota Kinabalu

italics indicated the project is under construction.

* v
* t
* e

Main public and private service skyscrapers and structures in Sabah

Administration buildings|

* Kota Kinabalu City Hall
* Kota Kinabalu Court Complex
* Sabah International Convention Centre
* State Administrative Centre
* State Legislative Assembly Building
* Sabah Tourism Board
* Sabah Trade Centre
* Sandakan Municipal Council
* Tawau Municipal Council
* Tun Mustapha Tower
* Wisma Innoprise
* Wisma Tun Fuad Stephens

Education|

| School|

* SMS Sabah
* Maktab Sabah

|

Universities|

* Universiti Malaysia Sabah
* UiTM Sabah

Energy and water resources|

* Babagon Dam
* Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal
* Sabah–Sarawak Gas Pipeline
* Tenom Pangi Dam

Health care|

| Hospitals|

| Government|

* Queen Elizabeth Hospital
* Queen Elizabeth Hospital II
* Duchess of Kent Hospital
* Keningau General Hospital
* Tawau Hospital
* Bukit Padang Mesra Hospital

|

Private|

* Damai Specialist Hospital
* Jesselton Medical Centre
* KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital
* Likas Specialist Hospital
* Rafflesia Specialist Centre

Public transportation|

| Airports|

* Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
* Kudat (KUD)
* Lahad Datu (LDU)
* Sandakan (SDK)
* Tawau (TWU)

|

Bus services|

* BRT Kota Kinabalu
* KK Sentral

Ferry terminals|

* Jesselton Point
* Menumbok Ferry Terminal
* Tawau Ferry Terminal

Rail networks|

* Tanjung Aru Station
* Papar Station
* Beaufort Station
* Tenom Station

Museums|

* Agnes Keith House
* Keningau Heritage Museum
* Mat Sator Museum
* Monsopiad Heritage Village
* Pogunon Community Museum
* Sabah Islamic Civilisation Museum
* Sabah Museum (headquarters)
* Sandakan Heritage Museum
* Teck Guan Cocoa Museum
* Tun Sakaran Museum
* 3D Wonders Museum

Religious buildings|

| Chinese temples and pagodas|

* Che Sui Khor Moral Uplifting Society
* Fo Guang Shan Temple
* Peak Nam Toong Temple
* Pu Tuo Si Temple
* Puu Jih Shih Temple
* Sam Sing Kung Temple
* Tam Kung Temple

|

Churches|

* Sacred Heart Cathedral
* St. Michael's and All Angels Church
* St. Michael's Church

Gurdwara|

* Gurdwara Sahib

Hindu temple|

* Thirumurugan Temple

Mosques|

* Al-Kauthar Mosque
* Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
* Sabah State Mosque
* Sandakan District Mosque
* Sandakan Jamek Mosque

Shopping malls|

* 1Borneo Hypermall
* Asia City
* Centre Point Sabah
* City Mall
* Imago KK Times Square
* Karamunsing Complex
* Suria Sabah
* Wawasan Plaza
* Wisma Merdeka

Stadiums|

* Likas Stadium

Mixed infrastructures|

* 1Sulaman
* Aeropod
* Grand Merdeka
* Jesselton Quay
* Jesselton Residences
* Karambunai Integrated Resort City
* Kota Kinabalu City Waterfront
* Kota Kinabalu Convention City
* One Jesselton Waterfront
* PacifiCity
* Plaza Shell
* Petronas Office Tower
* Tanjung Aru Eco Development

Others|

* Jesselton Freemason Hall
* Jesselton Twin Towers
* Sabah Hakka Complex
* Sabah State Library (headquarters)
* Tanjung Aru Library

italics indicated the project is under construction.
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template