Malaysia is a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia, attracting millions of visitors every year with its diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. Whether you’re traveling to bustling Kuala Lumpur, historic Malacca, or the tropical paradise of Langkawi, Malaysia’s extensive network of airports ensures easy connectivity within the country and beyond.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to Malaysia’s major airports, their IATA codes, and useful information to help you navigate your journey smoothly.
1. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)
- IATA Code: KUL
- Location: Sepang, about 45 km south of Kuala Lumpur
- Terminals: Two terminals: KLIA (Main Terminal) and KLIA2 (low-cost terminal)
Key Information:
- Facilities: Duty-free shops, lounges, restaurants, hotels (Sama-Sama Hotel), free Wi-Fi, prayer rooms, medical services, and child-friendly areas.
- Transportation:
- KLIA Ekspres train connects to KL Sentral in the city center (28 minutes).
- Buses and taxis are also available.
- Airlines: KLIA serves as the main hub for Malaysia Airlines and Malindo Air, while KLIA2 is the primary hub for AirAsia.
KLIA is Malaysia’s largest and busiest airport, handling both international and domestic flights. It is one of the most modern airports in Southeast Asia, offering a seamless travel experience with excellent facilities.
2. Penang International Airport
- IATA Code: PEN
- Location: Bayan Lepas, about 16 km south of George Town, Penang
Key Information:
- Facilities: Restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, free Wi-Fi, ATMs, currency exchange services, and car rental services.
- Transportation: Taxis, buses (Rapid Penang), and ride-hailing services (Grab) are available.
- Airlines: Penang International Airport is a key hub for AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and Firefly. It serves both domestic and international routes to destinations across Southeast Asia and East Asia.
Penang International Airport is the gateway to the northern region of Malaysia and is famous for connecting travelers to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town and the beautiful beaches of Batu Ferringhi.
3. Langkawi International Airport
- IATA Code: LGK
- Location: Padang Matsirat, about 25 minutes from the main town, Kuah
Key Information:
- Facilities: Duty-free shops, food outlets, lounges, car rental services, free Wi-Fi, and prayer rooms.
- Transportation: Taxis and ride-hailing services are available for easy travel to hotels and popular destinations around the island.
- Airlines: Serves airlines like AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, and Thai Airways with regular flights to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and international destinations like Singapore and Bangkok.
Langkawi International Airport is the primary gateway to the tropical island of Langkawi, known for its beaches, cable car, and duty-free shopping.
4. Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang Airport)
- IATA Code: SZB
- Location: Subang, about 25 km from Kuala Lumpur city center
Key Information:
- Facilities: Basic shopping and dining options, free Wi-Fi, car rentals, and business lounges.
- Transportation: Buses, taxis, and Grab are available for transport into the city.
- Airlines: Mainly serves Firefly, Malindo Air, and private charter services for regional flights, particularly to domestic destinations in Malaysia and Singapore.
Also known as Subang Skypark, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport used to be Kuala Lumpur’s main international airport before KLIA was built. Today, it caters primarily to domestic and regional flights, making it a convenient option for short-haul travel.
5. Senai International Airport (Johor Bahru)
- IATA Code: JHB
- Location: Senai, about 32 km north of Johor Bahru
Key Information:
- Facilities: Restaurants, duty-free shops, free Wi-Fi, ATMs, and car rental services.
- Transportation: Taxis, buses, and Grab services are available for transport to Johor Bahru city or Singapore.
- Airlines: AirAsia, Firefly, and Malaysia Airlines provide both domestic and international services, especially to Southeast Asian destinations.
Senai International Airport is an important airport for travelers heading to Johor Bahru, a key business and industrial hub. It’s also a convenient gateway for visiting Singapore via the causeway.
6. Kota Kinabalu International Airport
- IATA Code: BKI
- Location: About 8 km southwest of Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah in East Malaysia
Key Information:
- Facilities: Duty-free shops, restaurants, free Wi-Fi, car rentals, and prayer rooms.
- Transportation: Taxis and buses provide transport to Kota Kinabalu city center.
- Airlines: Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Malindo Air serve both domestic and international routes, including flights to China, South Korea, and Japan.
As the second busiest airport in Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu International Airport is the gateway to Sabah’s natural attractions, including Mount Kinabalu, diving spots, and the rainforests of Borneo.
7. Kuching International Airport
- IATA Code: KCH
- Location: About 11 km south of Kuching, the capital of Sarawak in East Malaysia
Key Information:
- Facilities: Duty-free shops, restaurants, car rentals, free Wi-Fi, and prayer rooms.
- Transportation: Taxis and Grab services are available to the city center.
- Airlines: Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Scoot provide domestic and regional flights, particularly to Singapore and other parts of Borneo.
Kuching International Airport is the gateway to Sarawak and its many attractions, including Bako National Park, the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, and the cultural richness of Kuching itself.
8. Sultan Mahmud Airport (Terengganu)
- IATA Code: TGG
- Location: About 8 km from Kuala Terengganu
Key Information:
- Facilities: Basic services including shops, restaurants, car rental, and free Wi-Fi.
- Transportation: Taxis and buses are available for transport to Kuala Terengganu and nearby attractions.
- Airlines: AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and Firefly connect the airport to domestic destinations, particularly Kuala Lumpur.
Sultan Mahmud Airport is the main gateway for travelers heading to the stunning Perhentian Islands and Redang Island, some of Malaysia’s best beach destinations.
9. Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (Kota Bharu)
- IATA Code: KBR
- Location: About 10 km from Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Key Information:
- Facilities: Basic dining and shopping options, free Wi-Fi, and rental car services.
- Transportation: Taxis and buses connect the airport to Kota Bharu city and nearby areas.
- Airlines: AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and Firefly offer domestic flights, particularly to Kuala Lumpur.
Sultan Ismail Petra Airport is primarily used by travelers exploring Kelantan and the Perhentian Islands.
10. Labuan Airport
- IATA Code: LBU
- Location: Labuan Island, off the coast of Sabah
Key Information:
- Facilities: Basic services including duty-free shops, food outlets, free Wi-Fi, and car rentals.
- Transportation: Taxis are available to various destinations on the island.
- Airlines: Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia provide domestic flights to Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur.
Labuan Airport serves the duty-free island of Labuan, an important financial and oil hub, as well as a tourist destination for diving and historical sites.
Conclusion
Malaysia’s airport network is highly efficient, connecting travelers to all corners of the country and beyond. Whether you’re flying into the bustling metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, the heritage-rich island of Penang, or the pristine beaches of Langkawi, these airports are well-equipped to ensure smooth travel experiences. Always check for the most updated flight schedules and facilities before your journey to make your travels as seamless as possible.
