Kota Kinabalu International Airport – BKI Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) is located in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. This major airport is 8 km. from the city center and is regarded as Malaysia’s second busiest airport next to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. In 2017, Kota Kinabalu International Airport received eight million passengers. BKI is a medium-sized airport despite attending to a huge influx of travelers. It has connections and routes to most main aviation hubs all over Asia Pacific.
Best Time to Visit
BKI-Kota Kinabalu is tagged as the gateway to Sabah and Borneo. This main airport serves Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang, Manukan Island, and Ranau including the west coast of Sabah. Kota Kinabalu Airport was formerly known as Jesselton Airfield and started as a military airfield during World War II. It was built by the Imperial Japanese Army with two terminals, Terminal 1 and 2.
Terminal 1 opened its doors in 2008 and with the newly constructed building, BKI was transformed into a modern airport. Terminal 2, on the other hand, was the original building used when the airport was first constructed. It now serves low-cost airlines particularly AirAsia as well as chartered flights.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Passengers who are looking for airport hotels within the complex will be delighted to know that the Napzone KKIA by Sovotel is located inside Terminal 1. This accommodation features relaxing and private capsule rooms. Near the airport and just three minutes from Terminal 2, visitors can reach the Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu or the Putatan Platinum Hotel. Labuan Airport (LBU) is the closest airport to BKI with a distance of 70 miles.
