An Insight into Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL)
Kuala Lumpur Airport is the main airport in Malaysia for both domestic and international flights. In fact, it is the busiest aviation hub in Southeast Asia and the second most connected air hub globally. Moreover, it is the 13th most occupied airport in Asia and the 35th highest-traffic airport in the world. In 2023, Kuala Lumpur International Airport welcomed more than 47.2 million passengers.
The major airport in Malaysia is commonly referred to as KUL Airport (based on its IATA Code, KUL) or KLIA Airport (from the initials of its name, Kuala Lumpur International Airport). It is located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, in the Sepang District of Selangor, bordering the state of Negeri Sembilan. Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, lies approximately 50km/31 miles north of Malaysia Airport. The airport serves the Greater Kuala Lumpur Area.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) opened its doors in 1998, replacing the old Subang International Airport, located in Subang, which couldn’t cope with the ever-increasing passenger traffic. It spreads over a 100 square km (39 sq mi) area that was previously farmland, making it one of the largest airports in the world. Thus, it is the only Malaysian airport that can accommodate Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft. Its main “competitor” is the renowned Changi International Airport, Singapore’s airport, located 300km/190 miles from Kuala Lumpur. While Changi is a busy aviation hub known for its facilities and amenities, KLIA Airport is also a state-of-the-art facility. It features a magnificent design influenced by Islamic tradition and the local rainforests and focuses on smooth integration with technological advancements.
The busiest airport in Malaysia has a total capacity of 70 million passengers, served by its two terminal buildings. It has three runways and handles direct flights to and from 120 destinations while serving more than 1000 cities through connecting flights. KUL Airport is operated by Malaysia Airports, the first airport operator in Asia to go public. Malaysia Airports manages 39 airports in Malaysia: 5 international hubs, 16 domestic airports, and 18 STOL ports.
KUL Airport is a multi-awarded aviation hub. In 2024, it was named the “Large Airport of the Year” by the Center of Aviation (CAPA), while its terminal KLIA2 (KLIA terminal 2) was recognized as the 2024 “Best Terminal for Low-Cost Airlines in Southeast Asia” and the seventh top in the world by Skytrax. Despite its development and leading role in Southeast Asia, KLIA Airport is constantly under improvement to become better and keep up with the latest advancements in aviation. Therefore, plans are made for the construction of a third terminal and a fourth runway, along with a Private Premium Terminal serving charter flights and a Hajj and Umrah Terminal for pilgrims heading to Saudi Arabia.
Airport Name: Kuala Lumpur International Airport
IATA Code: KUL
ICAO: WMKK
Location: Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
Time Zone: MYT (Malaysia Time) UTC/GMT +8 hours
Airport Map: KUL Airport at Google Maps
KLIA Airport’s Layout
KUL Airport has two terminals and three runways. The two terminals operate as separate facilities, offering distinct services and amenities for their passengers. However, they share the same runways. KLIA terminal 1 (the former KLIA) is also known as KLIA Main. It handles international and domestic flights. On the other hand, KLIA terminal 2 (KLIA 2) is the terminal housing the low-cost airlines. In fact, it is the largest terminal for low-cost air carriers. The main terminal has a Contact Pier and a Satellite Building, while a Satellite Building can be found close to KLIA terminal 2 as well. The two terminals lie a 7-minute ride from each other and are connected via train and bus (but not airside).
KLIA Airlines
Kuala Lumpur Airport houses a large number of airlines. Indeed, more than 60 air carriers, domestic and international, are present at KLIA Airport. As a matter of fact, the airport is a hub for Batik Air Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines, MASkargo, Raya Airways, and World Cargo Airlines and an operating base for Air Asia and Air Asia X. Thus, both conventional and budget airlines provide services at KUL Airport.
Transit Options
KUL Airport is well-connected to various Malaysian destinations. Therefore, if you want to travel from Kuala Lumpur to the city center, you can take your pick from:
- airport taxis
- airport car rentals
- private airport transfers
- bus routes
- train lines
Parking Facilities
KLIA Airport features several parking facilities. Hence, the KLIA parking options at terminal 1 (Main Terminal) include one short-term and one long-stay car park, along with a preferred parking facility and a zone for motorcycles. On the other hand, KLIA terminal 2 has parking lots located at the Gateway@klia2 shopping mall. Thus, passengers can use the public parking lot or opt for the lavish valet car park.
Services and Amenities
Kuala Lumpur International Airport features all the necessary amenities to ensure a smooth and pleasant travel experience. It is modern, elegant, and technologically advanced. Therefore, passengers are offered numerous things to do at Kuala Lumpur Airport. Some of its main services and amenities are:
- Biometric facial recognition
- Self-boarding gates
- Shops / Duty-free areas
- Eateries, cafes, and bars
- Baggage carts / Luggage wrapping / Luggage Storage
- Clinics
- ATMs / Currency exchange areas
- Prayer rooms
- Lost & Found offices
- Airport CARE ambassadors
- Viewing areas
- Business center facility (inside lounges and hotels)
- Showers / Spa facilities
- TV lounge
- Lounges
- KLIA hotels
- Wi-Fi
- Charging stations
- Smoking areas
- Calm rooms
- Special services and amenities for passengers with disabilities
Contact Info
Official Name: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)
Address: 64000 KLIA, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone Number: +603 8777 7000
Email: info@malaysiaairports.com.my
Official Website: https://airports.malaysiaairports.com.my/
The City of Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur -often referred to as KL- is the capital and largest city of Malaysia. It is the city where minarets stand side by side with towering skyscrapers, and streets are “adorned” with food stalls, exotic smells, vivid colors, and banyan trees. Added to the remnants of the British colony, they create a diverse mosaic. A unique blend of Chinese, Indian, and local influences, Kuala Lumpur reflects its diversity through every aspect. Indeed, its multicultural character is almost tangible in its historical monuments, sites of interest, architecture, lifestyle, and culinary scene. From the Petronas Twin Towers and the Batu Caves to the Thean Hou Temple and Merdeka Square, and from the modern shopping malls and vibrant cafes and bars to the local markets and traditional eateries, visitors have a bunch of things to do in Kuala Lumpur, no matter their interests and preferences. On the other hand, Kuala Lumpur is located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and is a prime starting point for exploring the country.
FAQs
What is the main airport in Malaysia?
Kuala Lumpur International Airport is the main Malaysian aviation hub and one of the busiest airports in the world. It is located 50km/31 miles from Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, and serves the Greater Kuala Lumpur Area.
Does Kuala Lumpur have two airports?
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA Airport) is the only airport serving the capital of Malaysia. However, it consists of two terminal buildings, which have distinct facilities. Indeed, KLIA terminal 1 handles conventional flights, while KLIA terminal 2 serves flights operated by low-cost airlines.
Are KLIA and KUL the same airport?
Yes, KLIA Airport and KUL Airport are different names for Kuala Lumpur Airport. KLIA derives from its initial letters (Kuala Lumpur International Airport), while KUL is its IATA Code.
What is the difference between KLIA and KLIA2?
KLIA is also known as KLIA Main and is the KLIA terminal 1, the terminal that serves the majority of domestic and international flights to and from KUL Airport. On the other hand, KLIA 2 is the terminal at KLIA where low-cost airlines operate.
Can you shower at Kuala Lumpur Airport?
KUL Airport features shower facilities. In detail, KLIA terminal 2 houses shower premises. Thus, passengers can use them during their layovers. On the other hand, the KUL airport hotels (Sama Sama Express Hotel) also offer shower services.
How far is Kuala Lumpur Airport from the city?
Kuala Lumpur International Airport is located south of Kuala Lumpur (KL), on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It lies within an approximate 50km/31-mile distance from the Malaysian capital. Thus, a car ride from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city center lasts around 55 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
Is KLIA a busy airport?
KLIA Airport is the busiest Malaysia Airport and the 13th most occupied aviation hub in Southeast Asia. Moreover, it is the 35th busiest airport in the world. It directly serves 120 destinations while handling connecting flights to and from 1000 cities.
How early should I get to Kuala Lumpur Airport?
Kuala Lumpur Airport is a busy air hub. Thus, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport three hours before an international flight or two hours before the scheduled departure time of a flight to a domestic destination. In that way, they can enjoy a stress-free check-in and boarding process.
What is the passenger service charge?
The Passenger Service Charge (PSC), previously known as Airport Tax, is the fee that departing or transferring passengers have to pay for using one of the Malaysia Airports. It is included in the air ticket’s price but is paid to the airport operator after the flight takes place. The PSC fee varies depending on the destination (domestic or international) and the KUL airport departing terminal. Moreover, departing and transferring passengers pay different fees.
What are the transportation options from KUL Airport?
KLIA Airport offers its passengers several transit options. For instance, travelers who want to get from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city center can catch an airport taxi, book a private airport transfer, or opt for an airport car rental. On the other hand, they can also take one of the buses serving the airport or settle on a fast train ride to their destination.