From a bombed military airfield to a gateway for the Airbus A380

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Kota Kinabalu International Airport is more than a transit point; it is a study in rapid infrastructure evolution. Originally a Japanese military site scarred by war, it has transformed into Malaysia's second busiest airport, balancing regional heritage with the demands of global aviation.

The airport's origins are rooted in conflict. During the Second World War, the Imperial Japanese Army constructed Jesselton Airfield, which faced heavy destruction via Allied aerial strikes. Following the war, the Department of Civil Aviation of North Borneo rehabilitated the facility for civilian use, beginning its transition into a public hub. Regular passenger services were modest at first, starting in May 1949 with a weekly flight from Singapore, before expanding to include regional connections to Hong Kong and Manila by 1950.

The mid-20th century saw a push toward modernization. In 1957, the original grass strip was resurfaced with bitumen, and by 1963, the runway was lengthened to 1,921 meters to accommodate the Comet 4 jet. A massive shift occurred in 2006 with a RM1.4 billion expansion project. The runway's length reached 3,780 metres following an upgrade, enabling Airbus A380 operations and boosting Terminal 1's yearly passenger limit to 9 million.

The airport's identity is tied to Sabahan culture. The Departure Hall's column head design is inspired by the 'Wakid' basket, a traditional symbol of preparing for a meaningful journey, while floor tiles incorporate patterns from the Rungus and Bajau ethnic groups. While a 2022 proposal suggested relocating the airport 60 km away to Kimanis, the government ultimately rejected the plan in early 2024, citing the sufficiency of the current site and the high costs of relocation.

Current plans focus on scaling for the future. To reach 15.4 million annual travellers by 2028, a RM442.3 million funding package sanctioned in November 2024 seeks to expand current capacity. These upgrades include adding a new gate, aircraft bays, and a multi-level car park to ensure the airport remains a primary hub for East Malaysia's tourism and business sectors.

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