Comprising a peninsular part and the eastern part of the Borneo island in the South China Sea, Malaysia is one of the most stunning tourist destinations in the world. Thanks to its rich biodiversity as well as developed economy, Malaysia offers a great leisurely escape to one and all. With warm tropical weather all year round, millions of tourists worldwide enjoy the country’s lush landscapes, shopping paradises, and multi-cultural offerings.
Not surprisingly, more than 20 million tourists visit Malaysia in 2023. What makes local tourism thrive is a hub of modern, well-connected, and easily accessible airports in Malaysia. Boasting state-of-the-art amenities that make travel easier, the airports in Malaysia are cited by many as being extremely hassle-free and reliable.
So, what are the most popular international and domestic airports in Malaysia today? Here is a quick guide.
International Airports in Malaysia
Whether you are planning to visit the Kuala Lumpur metropolis or the fabled rainforests in East Malaysia, knowing the best international airports in Malaysia will help you plan better. As a foreign tourist, you can easily consider any of the following major ones for your trip:
- Melaka International Airport, Melaka
This international airport in Malaysia, which reopened in October 2024, boasts an annual passenger capacity of around 1.5 million. It is located 10 km from the UNESCO World Heritage City of Melaka.
Address: Lapangan Terbang Melaka, 75350 Melaka
IATA Code: MKZ
ICAO Code: WMKM
Terminals: One terminal which serves as the hub for both international and domestic passengers
Services/amenities: Infant care facilities, smoking spaces, FandB hotspots, conference and prayer rooms, seamless currency exchange, wheelchair and postal services.
- Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Selangor
The airport is located near the city centre of Kuala Lumpur. It is a hub of not only international airlines but regional, commercial, and charter carriers as well. The airport is well connected by the Skypark rail link.
Address: Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, 47200 Subang, Selangor Darul Ehsan
IATA Code: SZB
ICAO Code: WMSA
Terminals: Only one terminal - Terminal 3
Services/amenities: Wellness centres, fashion and retail outlets, aviation training, duty-free shopping, FandB counters, wheelchair assistance, lounges, smoking areas.
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Selangor
It is the largest airport in Malaysia. As of 2024, it was ranked the 35th busiest airport and the second most connected airport in the world.
Address: KL International Airport (KLIA) 64000 KLIA, Sepang, Selangor Darul Ehsan
IATA Code: KUL
ICAO Code: WMKK
Terminals: This international airport currently has two main terminals: KLIA 1 and KLIA 2.
Services/amenities: Luxury lounges, smoking spaces, duty-free shopping, seamless currency exchange, medical services, restaurants.
Domestic Airports in Malaysia
Beyond the international airports, there is also an intricate web of excellent domestic airports in Malaysia. These are served by many major local airlines, offering daily convenient flights to some of the most popular local destinations. Here are six of them:
- Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport (SASA), Kuantan
With a handling capacity of over 1 million passengers annually, SASA is a vital domestic airport in Malaysia situated 15 km from Pahang city.
Address: 25150 Kuantan, Pahang
IATA Code: KUA
ICAO Code: WMKD
Terminals: Only one terminal for passengers
Services/amenities: Restaurants, banks, local souvenir shops and batik handicrafts, travel and tour counters, VIP lounge.
- Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, Kota Bharu
Located in Kelantan state, this airport is named after the region’s 28th Sultan. It is the busiest airport on Malaysia’s east coast and is undergoing renovation to become an international airport.
Address: Pengkalan Chepa, 16100 Kota Bharu, Kelantan
IATA Code: KBR
ICAO Code: WMKC
Terminals: The airport has only one terminal for both departures and arrivals.
Services/amenities: Free Wi-Fi, infant care facilities, smoking spaces, FandB hotspots, conference and prayer rooms, wheelchair and postal services.
- Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, Ipoh
It is the 7th busiest airport in Malaysia and has been serving the state of Perak since 1989.
Address: Jalan Lapangan Terbang, 31350 Ipoh, Perak
IATA Code: IPH
ICAO Code: WMKI
Terminals: The airport is served by a single terminal.
Services/amenities: Basic services like wheelchair assistance and FandB.
- Sultan Mahmud Airport, Kuala Terengganu
Stunning stonework and a red roof make this one of Malaysia's most iconic domestic airports. It also provides connecting flights to Saudi Arabia.
Address: Jalan Lapangan Terbang, 21300 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu
IATA Code: TGG
ICAO Code: WMKN
Terminals: The airport has a single terminal.
Services/amenities: FandB, taxi, etc.
- Bintulu Airport, Bintulu
It is one of the three airports in Bintulu, Sarawak state, which opened in 2002. Despite being a small domestic airport, it can easily handle larger planes like Boeing 747s.
Address: 97000 Bintulu, Sarawak
IATA Code: BTU
ICAO Code: WBGB
Terminals: The airport is served by a single terminal.
Services/amenities: F&B, charging stations, lockers, lounges, Wi-Fi, ATMs, shopping.
- Sultan Abdul Halim Airport, Alor Setar
Located 15 km from Alor Setar in northern peninsular Malaysia, this airport began operations in 1929 and has a passenger capacity of 0.8 million.
Address: Taman Desa Mutiara, 06200 Alor Setar, Kedah
IATA Code: AOR
ICAO Code: WMKA
Terminals: The airport only has one terminal.
Services/amenities: Baggage handling, wheelchair assistance, bars and restaurants, charging stations, retail outlets, currency exchange, ATMs, lounge access.
Conclusion
By connecting the country’s major destinations, airports in Malaysia continue to open up new adventures and possibilities for many with the highest standard of flight connectivity and amenities possible. Travellers from abroad and local tourists often praise the level of comfort and convenience they enjoy when flying in Malaysia. As always, don’t forget to book travel insurance online to cover unforeseen events like trip cancellations, baggage loss or medical emergencies.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.