Modern glass and curved-roof terminal with curbside drop-off lanes at Kota Kinabalu International Airport at tropical sunset

Airport

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)

Kota Kinabalu International Airport is the main gateway to Kota Kinabalu and the wider Sabah region, connecting travellers to city hotels, coastal resorts and the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Compare transfer options to the city centre, Tanjung Aru, Jesselton Point and onward destinations, and plan your journey with ease.

Passengers

Luggage

About Kota Kinabalu International Airport

Kota Kinabalu International Airport is the main international airport serving Kota Kinabalu and the Malaysian state of Sabah on the island of Borneo. It is one of Malaysia's busiest airports and a key gateway for domestic and international travel to the northern part of Borneo.

Located approximately 8 km southwest of central Kota Kinabalu, the airport's modern Terminal 1 opened in 2008 and now handles all passenger flights, with separate domestic and international sections spread over three levels. The earlier Terminal 2 served low-cost airlines until AirAsia relocated to Terminal 1 in 2015, after which Terminal 2 closed for scheduled passenger operations.

The airport is connected to the city by airport bus, taxi, e-hailing services, private transfers and car rental. The drive to the city centre takes around 15–20 minutes under normal traffic conditions, depending on the area and time of day.

With duty-free shopping, dining outlets, lounges, free Wi-Fi, currency exchange and onward travel services, the airport serves leisure and business travellers visiting Kota Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Mount Kinabalu and other destinations across Sabah.

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Terminal Overview

Travelers walking beneath terminal signs inside an airport

Terminals

Kota Kinabalu International Airport operates passenger flights from one main terminal, Terminal 1, which is organised over three levels with separate domestic and international sections. Domestic and international departures are handled in dedicated areas of the terminal, while arrivals are processed on the lower level.

Ground Transportation Services to and from Kota Kinabalu International Airport

Transfers

Book private transfers from Kota Kinabalu International Airport to hotels, city destinations, resorts and other locations across Kota Kinabalu and Sabah.

Hourly Chauffeur

Arrange a professional chauffeur by the hour for flexible travel from the airport, business meetings, sightseeing or journeys around Kota Kinabalu.

Car Rental

Rent a car from Kota Kinabalu International Airport for independent travel around the city and onward journeys to destinations across Sabah.

Bus & Group Transfers

Organise minibuses or charter buses for groups travelling between Kota Kinabalu International Airport, hotels, event venues and other destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions