Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) – Terminals, Airlines & Transport Guide
About Kota Kinabalu International Airport
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) is the second busiest airport in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur, serving as the primary gateway to the state of Sabah on the island of Borneo. Located just 5 miles (8 km) southwest of the Kota Kinabalu city centre, the airport offers stunning views of the South China Sea and Mount Kinabalu during approach and takeoff. BKI features two terminals, a 3,790m runway, and capacity for 7 million passengers yearly as Malaysia’s second-busiest airport after KLIA. It connects to over 40 destinations, primarily domestic via AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines, plus international flights to Singapore, Seoul, and Manila.
Serving over 9 million passengers annually, BKI is a major hub connecting East Malaysia not only to Peninsular Malaysia but also to major cities across East Asia, particularly South Korea and China.
Key Airport Stats
Feature | Details |
Full Name | Kota Kinabalu International Airport |
IATA Code | BKI |
ICAO Code | WBKK |
Location | Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (8 km from City Centre) |
Terminals | 1 Active Passenger Terminal (Terminal 1) |
Annual Traffic | ~9 Million Passengers |
Hub Airlines | AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, MASwings, Firefly |
Official Website | Kota Kinabalu |
Terminals Information
Kota Kinabalu Airport officially has two terminals, but currently, all commercial passenger flights operate from Terminal 1.
- Terminal 1 (Main Terminal): A modern, multi-level building handling all domestic and international arrivals and departures.
- Terminal 2: This terminal was famously used by low-cost carriers in the past but was closed to commercial passenger traffic in 2015. It is now exclusively used for cargo, general aviation, and VIP flights. Do not go to Terminal 2 for your commercial flight.
Airlines Operating at Langkawi International Airport
Major International Carriers
- Scoot: Frequent direct flights to Singapore (SIN).
- Korean Carriers (Jin Air, Jeju Air, T’way Air, Air Busan): Highly popular and frequent direct routes to Seoul (ICN) and Busan (PUS).
- China Southern / XiamenAir: Direct flights to Guangzhou (CAN) and Xiamen (XMN).
- Royal Brunei Airlines: Regional connections to Bandar Seri Begawan (BWN).
Domestic & Regional Carriers
- AirAsia: The dominant low-cost carrier with massive connectivity across Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor) and direct international flights (Taipei, Shenzhen).
- Malaysia Airlines: High-frequency mainline flights to Kuala Lumpur (KUL).
- Batik Air Malaysia: Daily flights to Kuala Lumpur (KUL).
- MASwings & Firefly: Crucial turboprop and regional jet operators connecting KK to smaller Sabah towns like Tawau (TWU), Sandakan (SDK), and Lahad Datu (LDU).
UK → Kota Kinabalu (BKI) Flight Options
- UK (e.g., London Heathrow – LHR) → Kuala Lumpur Intl Airport (KUL) → Kota Kinabalu Intl Airport (BKI)
- London (LGW or LHR) → Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) → Kota Kinabalu Intl Airport (BKI)
- UK (LHR / LGW / MAN / EDI etc.) → Middle East Hub or European Hub → KUL or SIN → BKI
- Manchester (MAN) → Doha (DOH) or Dubai (DXB) → Kuala Lumpur (KUL) → BKI
- Edinburgh (EDI) → Amsterdam (AMS) or Istanbul (IST) → KUL → BKI
Common Airlines from UK to BKI
Malaysia Airlines
UK (LHR) → Kuala Lumpur (KUL) → BKI
Qatar Airways
UK (LHR / MAN / EDI) → Doha (DOH) → Kuala Lumpur (KUL) → BKI
Singapore Airlines
UK (LHR / MAN) → Singapore (SIN) → BKI
How to get from Kota Kinabalu Airport to the City Centre
Because the airport is so close to the city, transfers are very fast and affordable. There is no train network in Kota Kinabalu.
Transport Options Overview
Mode | Route / Destination | Time to City | Cost (Approx) |
Grab (Best Choice) | To City Centre / Jesselton Point Door-to-door | 15-20 mins | RM 10 – RM 15 |
Airport Taxi | To City Centre Fixed coupon system | 15-20 mins | RM 30 |
Airport Bus | To Padang Merdeka Departs from Arrivals Level | 25-30 mins | RM 5.00 |
Car Rental | Self-drive Counters at Arrivals Hall | N/A | RM 90 – RM 150 /day |
- Grab Warning: Grab is the undisputed king of transport in KK. Download the app before you arrive. The designated pickup point is clearly marked outside the Arrivals Hall (Level 1).
- Parking: Extensive open-air and multi-storey parking is available opposite Terminal 1.
Airport Facilities & Services
- Lounges:
- Plaza Premium Lounge: Located on Level 3 (International Departures) and Level 2 (Domestic Departures). Features hot food, showers, and comfortable seating.
- Dining:
- Landside: McDonald’s (24 hours), KFC, OldTown White Coffee, Starbucks.
- Airside: Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, local noodle bars, and snack kiosks.
- Duty-Free Shopping:
- Available in the International Departures and Arrivals halls. Note that Sabah has specific duty-free rules distinct from Peninsular Malaysia.
- WiFi: Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal. Connect to Airport_Free_Wifi.
- ATMs & Currency Exchange: Plentiful on the Ground Floor and Level 1 (Arrivals).
- Luggage Storage: Left Luggage lockers are available on Level 3 (Departures) for a daily fee.
Departure & Arrival Guide
Departures
- Check-in: Arrive 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
- Sabah Immigration Check: CRITICAL: The state of Sabah has autonomous immigration control. Even if you are flying domestically back to Kuala Lumpur or Sarawak, you must clear a Sabah immigration checkpoint before boarding.
Arrivals
- Immigration Check: Foreigners: Must show a passport and valid visa/MDAC.
- West Malaysians (Peninsular & Sarawak): Must present their Identity Card (MyKad) or Passport. You will receive a small printed entry slip granting you up to 90 days of stay. Do not lose this slip, as you must return it to the officer when you leave the state.
- Meeting Point: The arrivals hall is located on Level 1, with a clearly defined waiting area surrounded by fast-food outlets and car rental booths.
Popular Routes from Kota Kinabalu Airport
- Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur (KUL): The busiest domestic route, with dozens of daily flights.
- Kota Kinabalu to Seoul (ICN): The busiest international route, heavily served by Korean low-cost carriers.
- Kota Kinabalu to Tawau (TWU): The gateway route to Semporna and Sipadan Island diving.
- Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan (SDK): Short hop for viewing Orangutans and nature tours.
- Kota Kinabalu to Singapore (SIN): Highly popular international hub connection.
- Kota Kinabalu to Taipei (TPE): Key East Asian link (AirAsia/China Airlines).
Nearby Airports
Labuan Airport (LBU)
Located on Labuan Island, approximately 120 km southwest of Kota Kinabalu. Accessible by a short flight or ferry connection.
Airport Hotels Nearby
Hotel | Distance | Vibe |
Raia Hotel Kota Kinabalu | 5 min drive | Located in the Aeropod area just opposite the airport. |
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru | 10 min drive | Luxury Resort. Famous for its private beach and world-class sunset views. |
Aeropod Sovo / SOHO Suites | 5 min drive | Affordable Airbnb-style apartments right next to the airport. |
Sutera Harbour Resort | 12 min drive | Massive 5-star mega-resort with a golf course and marina. |
The Magellan Sutera | 12 min drive | Premium wing of the Sutera Harbour complex. |
Weather Information
- Climate: Equatorial (Hot, humid, and rainy year-round).
- Temperatures: Consistently 27°C – 32°C.
- Dry Season: February to April (Best time to climb Mount Kinabalu or go island hopping).
- Wet Season: October to December brings heavier rains, though it usually falls in short, intense afternoon bursts rather than all-day downpours.
Flights from UK to Kota Kinabalu INTL Airports
FAQs
BKI, located 8 km southwest of Kota Kinabalu city, is Malaysia’s second-busiest airport after KLIA, serving domestic and international flights mainly through Terminal 1
Kota Kinabalu International Airport is approximately 7 to 9 kilometers (about 5-6 miles) south of the city centre . The drive from popular areas like Gaya Street to the airport takes about 15 minutes under normal traffic conditions .
The most popular domestic flight routes from Kota Kinabalu are to Kuala Lumpur, Tawau, Sandakan, Kuching, and Penang . These routes are served by multiple daily flights from various airlines.
The earliest flight from Kota Kinabalu is TW154, which departs for Seoul at 12:05 AM . If taking this flight, it’s recommended to stay at a hotel near the airport the night before departure.
The latest flight from Kota Kinabalu is MH2639, which departs for Kuala Lumpur at 11:45 PM . Passengers taking this flight should check the operating hours of airport transfer services.
Yes, Kota Kinabalu International Airport has two luggage storage facilities – on Level 1 (behind KFC) and Level 3 (International Departures) . For lost items, contact your airline for items left on aircraft or ground staff for items misplaced within the airport.
Taxis from BKI to the city centre have a fixed fare of approximately RM30 . You can purchase a taxi coupon at the counter on Level 1 by providing your destination address to the staff.
Recent Update
Senai International Airport (JHB) – Terminals, Airlines & Transport Guide About Senai International Airport Opened in 1974 as Sultan Ismail International Airport, it expanded with a modern terminal to replace …
Kuching International Airport (KCH) – Terminals, Transport & Passenger Guide About Kuching International Airport Kuching International Airport (KCH) is the primary gateway to Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia, located …
Birmingham Airport (BHX) – Terminals, Airlines & Transport Guide About Birmingham Airport Birmingham Airport (BHX) is the UK’s third-largest airport outside London, serving as the primary international gateway for the …
+442071129000