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Sabah Airports 2026 — KKIA Passengers & Route Data

Q: Which airlines fly to Kota Kinabalu?

Major carriers to KKIA include: AirAsia (most flights, budget), Malaysia Airlines (regional, premium), Batik Air (Indonesia routes), Scoot (Singapore), Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, China Eastern, China Southern, Air China, Cathay Pacific, and others. As of 2025, 28+ international routes are served with 157 weekly flights. AirAsia operates majority of domestic routes.

Q: Can I fly direct to Kota Kinabalu from where I am?

Direct flights to KKIA are available from 15+ international destinations: China (Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Kunming, Xiamen), Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Seoul, and others. Most US, EU, and Australian travelers connect through Kuala Lumpur (1–2 hour connection). Middle East flights typically connect in Gulf hubs.

Q: Is KKIA being expanded?

Yes — major expansion underway. Terminal 1 is being upgraded to handle 12 million passengers/year by 2028 (from current 7.96M). Project cost: RM442.3 million. Expansion includes new apron space for 33 aircraft, multi-storey car park, and increased terminal area. Expansion began Q3 2025 and is expected to complete by late 2028.

Q: How do I get from the airport to Kota Kinabalu city?

Options: (1) Taxi/ride-hailing: RM30–50 to city centre (25 min); Grab/Uber available. (2) Airport bus: RM10–15 (45 min). (3) Rental car: RM80–150/day, available at airport. (4) Hotel shuttle: Many hotels offer free pickup (pre-arrange). KKIA is 8 km north of city centre.

Q: Should I fly or drive from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan?

Fly if you're short on time or have luggage: 1-hour flight on MASwings, RM150–250. Drive if you want scenery and flexibility: 5–6 hours on Pan Borneo Highway (improving rapidly). Road improves significantly once Pan Borneo Phase 1A opens late 2026. Combined itinerary: fly one way, drive return for best experience.

Q: Which airport should I fly into for Danum Valley/Lahad Datu access?

Lahad Datu Airport (LDU) is 40 km from Danum Valley entrance. However, flights to LDU are limited (mostly MASwings from KK/Sandakan). Alternative: Fly to Sandakan, then drive 2 hours to Lahad Datu. Easiest: Fly KKIA → Sandakan → Lahad Datu by road/boat. Check flight availability before booking accommodation.

Last updated: 11 April 2026

KKIA aircraft on tarmac with terminal building in background

ℹ️ The quick answer

Sabah has 5 commercial airports. KKIA (Kota Kinabalu) is the main hub, handling 7.96 million passengers (2024) — Malaysia\u2019s 2nd busiest. It serves 28+ international routes with 157 weekly flights. Sandakan (SDK) is the 2nd airport with ~780K passengers; Tawau (TWU) third with ~650K. KKIA is expanding to 12 million capacity by 2028. All regional airports are served by MASwings (Malaysia Airlines regional subsidiary).

✈️

7.96M

KKIA Passengers 2024

↑ Malaysia's 2nd busiest

🌍

28+

International Routes

from KKIA

🛫

157

Weekly Flights

international capacity

✈️

780K

Sandakan Airport

annual passengers

✈️

650K

Tawau Airport

annual passengers

🏗️

7.96M → 12M

KKIA Expansion

↑ by 2028

Sabah Airport Annual Passengers (2024)

KKIA handles 90% of Sabah’s air traffic. Regional airports serve specific routes and tourism gateways.

Source: MAHB 2024

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA)

KKIA is Sabah\u2019s primary international gateway and Malaysia\u2019s 2nd-busiest airport after KLIA Kuala Lumpur. Handling 7.96 million passengers in 2024, KKIA serves 15+ international destinations including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Korea, and Hong Kong, alongside extensive domestic connections.

The airport is currently undergoing a major expansion (Terminal 1 upgrade) to increase capacity to 12 million passengers annually by 2028, at a cost of RM442.3 million. The expansion includes new apron facilities for 33 aircraft, improved passenger flow, and enhanced facilities.

KKIA Passenger Growth 2018–2024

KKIA crashed 71% in 2020 due to COVID, bottomed in 2021, and fully recovered by 2024 with new record 7.96M passengers.

Source: MAHB

Airlines & Routes

KKIA is served by multiple carriers: AirAsia (most flights, budget focus), Malaysia Airlines (full-service, premium), Batik Air (Indonesia routes), Scoot (Singapore), Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, China Eastern, China Southern, Air China, Cathay Pacific, and others. AirAsia operates the majority of the 157 weekly flights.

International destinations from KKIA include: Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Kunming, Xiamen (China); Hong Kong; Taipei (Taiwan); Seoul (South Korea); Singapore; Bangkok; Ho Chi Minh City; Jakarta; Kuala Lumpur; and others. Most long-haul flights (Europe, Americas, Australia) require connections through KL or regional hubs.

Airlines Operating at KKIA (by number of routes)

AirAsia dominates with budget routes; Malaysia Airlines focuses on premium and regional connections.

Source: KKIA flight data 2025

Modern KKIA terminal interior with high ceiling, checkin counters, and arriving passengers — KKIA Terminal interior

Aircraft aircraft parked at gate with boarding bridge and KKIA terminal — KKIA aircraft operations

Sandakan airport smaller regional terminal building with aircraft — Sandakan Airport terminal

Regional Airports

Sandakan Airport (SDK) is the 2nd-largest airport, handling ~780,000 passengers annually (2024). Served primarily by MASwings with connections to KKIA, Tawau, Lahad Datu, and Peninsular Malaysia. Gateway to Kinabatangan River, Sepilok Orangutan Centre, and east coast attractions.

Tawau Airport (TWU) handles ~650,000 passengers annually, ranked 8th busiest in Malaysia. Served by AirAsia (some long-haul) and MASwings. Gateway to Tawau east coast, Semporna dive resorts, and Tun Sakaran Marine Park. Limited international routes; most travelers connect through KKIA or Sandakan.

Lahad Datu Airport (LDU) serves ~120,000 passengers annually. Smaller regional airport with limited routes (primarily MASwings to KK, Sandakan, Tawau). Gateway to Danum Valley Conservation Area and Tun Mustapha Marine Park.

Kudat Airport (KUD) is the smallest, handling ~45,000 passengers annually. Turboprop-only service, limited routes. Serves Kudat district and Tip of Borneo tourism.

Expansion & Future Plans

KKIA\u2019s Terminal 1 expansion project is the highest priority, with completion expected by late 2028. The upgrade will increase annual capacity from 7.96M to 12 million passengers, supporting tourism growth targets and anticipated arrivals of 5+ million by 2030.

Regional airports (Sandakan, Tawau) are also slated for modest upgrades to improve operational efficiency and safety. MASwings is expected to expand regional routes as domestic travel demand grows post-COVID.

Frequently asked questions

Q Which airlines fly to Kota Kinabalu?

Major carriers to KKIA include: AirAsia (most flights, budget), Malaysia Airlines (regional, premium), Batik Air (Indonesia routes), Scoot (Singapore), Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, China Eastern, China Southern, Air China, Cathay Pacific, and others. As of 2025, 28+ international routes are served with 157 weekly flights. AirAsia operates majority of domestic routes.

Q Can I fly direct to Kota Kinabalu from where I am?

Direct flights to KKIA are available from 15+ international destinations: China (Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Kunming, Xiamen), Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Seoul, and others. Most US, EU, and Australian travelers connect through Kuala Lumpur (1–2 hour connection). Middle East flights typically connect in Gulf hubs.

Q Is KKIA being expanded?

Yes — major expansion underway. Terminal 1 is being upgraded to handle 12 million passengers/year by 2028 (from current 7.96M). Project cost: RM442.3 million. Expansion includes new apron space for 33 aircraft, multi-storey car park, and increased terminal area. Expansion began Q3 2025 and is expected to complete by late 2028.

Q How do I get from the airport to Kota Kinabalu city?

Options: (1) Taxi/ride-hailing: RM30–50 to city centre (25 min); Grab/Uber available. (2) Airport bus: RM10–15 (45 min). (3) Rental car: RM80–150/day, available at airport. (4) Hotel shuttle: Many hotels offer free pickup (pre-arrange). KKIA is 8 km north of city centre.

Q Should I fly or drive from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan?

Fly if you're short on time or have luggage: 1-hour flight on MASwings, RM150–250. Drive if you want scenery and flexibility: 5–6 hours on Pan Borneo Highway (improving rapidly). Road improves significantly once Pan Borneo Phase 1A opens late 2026. Combined itinerary: fly one way, drive return for best experience.

Q Which airport should I fly into for Danum Valley/Lahad Datu access?

Lahad Datu Airport (LDU) is 40 km from Danum Valley entrance. However, flights to LDU are limited (mostly MASwings from KK/Sandakan). Alternative: Fly to Sandakan, then drive 2 hours to Lahad Datu. Easiest: Fly KKIA → Sandakan → Lahad Datu by road/boat. Check flight availability before booking accommodation.

Sources & References 6 sources

Last verified: 11 April 2026