โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR), serving the city of Kota Bharu and the wider Kelantan region in Malaysia, is currently completing a massive RM440 million modernization and expansion project. As of early 2026, the airport has tripled its terminal size from 12,000 to 36,000 square meters, allowing it to handle up to 4 million passengers annually. This transformation has elevated KBR from a regional domestic hub to an international-ready facility, featuring a stunning architectural design that blends modern Islamic motifs with traditional Kelantanese cultural elements.
The terminal is vertically organized into two primary levels to optimize passenger flow. The upper level is dedicated to departures, housing over 20 modern check-in counters and a streamlined security screening area. This level also provides direct access to the aircraft via newly installed aerobridges, a significant upgrade from the previous ground-boarding system. The lower level is designated for arrivals, featuring expanded baggage claim halls and easy access to ground transportation. A dedicated international wing has been integrated into the layout to facilitate customs and immigration processing for future international routes.
Amenities within the expanded terminal reflect Kota Bharu's reputation for hospitality and local craftsmanship. Passengers can enjoy a wide variety of dining options, ranging from international fast-food chains to cafes serving authentic Kelantanese cuisine. The retail zone has been significantly enlarged, offering travelers the chance to purchase local silk batik, traditional handicrafts, and travel essentials. The entire airport has transitioned to a cashless environment for parking and many on-site services. Other essential facilities include modern prayer rooms (Surau), baby care rooms, and enhanced accessibility features for elderly and disabled travelers.
Ground transportation has been completely overhauled as part of the expansion. A new multi-storey car park has increased the airport's capacity to 1,300 bays, and dedicated lanes have been established for taxis and e-hailing services like Grab to ensure smooth pick-ups and drop-offs. The airport is also positioned as a key node for future regional connectivity, with plans to integrate it with the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) via a nearby station in Tunjong. For international travelers, the runway is being extended to 2,800 meters to accommodate larger aircraft for direct flights, including seasonal Hajj operations to the Middle East.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR) is an increasingly efficient experience thanks to its newly expanded and modernized terminal. For most travelers, a 'connection' here involves transitioning from a domestic flight from Kuala Lumpur (KUL/SZB) to a local destination in Kelantan or a nearby island resort. Since all operations are housed under one roof in the integrated terminal, moving from the arrival hall on the lower level to the departure gates on the upper level is straightforward and can be completed in under 15 minutes. However, it is advisable to allow at least 60-90 minutes for any onward connection to account for baggage retrieval and re-check-in if your flights are not on a single ticket. Ground transportation is a vital part of any connection at KBR. If you are headed to the Perhentian Islands or other coastal areas, you will likely need to transit from the airport to the Kuala Besut jetty, which is about a 60-to-90 minute drive. It is highly recommended to use the prepaid taxi coupon system available at the arrivals hall or book an e-hailing service like Grab to ensure transparent pricing. Dedicated pick-up zones are clearly marked outside the arrivals exit. If you are staying in central Kota Bharu, the city bus (Line 9) provides a cost-effective link, though taxis are the faster option for the 9-kilometer journey. Practical preparation for a KBR connection includes familiarizing yourself with the airport's new cashless systems. While the terminal offers free high-speed Wi-Fi, having your digital payment apps and boarding passes ready will speed up your transit. There are several ATMs located in the public arrivals area if you need to withdraw Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) for smaller local expenses outside the airport.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
35
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Ba'kelalan Airport (BKM) is a critical regional aviation facility serving the remote village of Ba'kelalan and the wider Kelabit Highlands in the Limbang Division of Sarawak, Malaysia. Situated in a high-altitude mountain valley near the border with Indonesia, the airport provides a vital transportation lifeline for a region where overland connectivity is extremely challenging and time-consuming. It serves as a primary aerial gateway for the local indigenous communities, government personnel, and eco-tourists visiting this culturally rich part of Borneo.
The airport operates through a single, minimalist passenger terminal building designed for functional efficiency in a remote environment. The facility manages a modest flow of domestic flights, featuring a centralized check-in counter and a sheltered waiting hall that serves both arriving and departing passengers. Because the airfield functions as a STOLport (Short Take-Off and Landing), it is specifically engineered to support small turboprop aircraft such as the DHC-6 Twin Otter. The terminal layout is highly intuitive, ensuring that all essential services are within short walking distance for travelers.
BKM is a key node in Malaysiaโs Rural Air Services (RAS) network, which is fully subsidized by the government to ensure connectivity for sparsely populated highland areas. The airfield features a functional 549-meter bitumen runway, which is meticulously maintained to support the regular services operated by MASwings. Inside the terminal, amenities are focused on essential needs, and travelers are strongly advised to be self-sufficient and bring their own refreshments, as there are no standard commercial retail or dining establishments on-site. The facility maintains a quiet and welcoming atmosphere that reflects the serene character of the Kelabit Highlands.
Ground transportation at BKM is primarily supported by local 4x4 vehicles and private transfers, as there are no established public bus or rail links directly serving the airfield. The airport is conveniently located just a short distance from the Ba'kelalan village center, providing quick access to local apple orchards, traditional longhouses, and community guesthouses. Arriving travelers can coordinate pre-arranged transfers through local hosts or specialized tour operators exploring the regionโs natural beauty. A small parking area is available near the terminal building for the convenience of residents and visitors arriving by local vehicle.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Ba'kelalan Airport (BKM) is a unique journey into the remote Kelabit Highlands of Sarawak, Malaysia. As a specialized STOLport (Short Take-Off and Landing), BKM is a critical lifeline for the indigenous Lun Bawang community, providing a connection that would otherwise take many hours by rugged 4x4 tracks. If you are 'connecting' here, it is almost certainly via a MASwings DHC-6 Twin Otter flight from Miri or Lawas. Because these aircraft are small and the 549-meter bitumen runway is short, weight limits for checked and carry-on luggage are strictly enforced; ensure your bags are within the 10kg limit to avoid being bumped to a later flight.
The terminal is a minimalist, functional building with no commercial shops, restaurants, or ATMs. Travelers are strongly advised to be entirely self-sufficient, carrying their own water and snacks for the journey. A key tip for connecting passengers is to book the earliest possible morning flight. The highlands are prone to rapid weather changes, and afternoon rain or low-hanging clouds often lead to flight cancellations. If your flight is grounded, be prepared for a quiet wait in the sheltered hall, as there are no nearby hotels within walking distance of the airstrip.
Upon arrival, your connection to the Ba'kelalan village or nearby eco-lodges must be pre-arranged with local 4x4 drivers, as there is no formal taxi stand. The airport is also a starting point for those trekking toward the Indonesian border and the Krayan highlands; however, ensure all cross-border permits are secured in advance. The atmosphere at BKM is serene and welcoming, reflecting the hospitality of the highlands, but the operational realities of mountain aviation mean that flexibility and preparation are essential for any traveler.
โ Back to Sultan Ismail Petra Airport