KOTA KINABALU AIRPORT ASSISTANCE

History Kota Kinabalu International Airport

The airport began as a military airfield built by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. It was then known as Jesselton Airfield (Kota Kinabalu was known as Jesselton at the time). Towards the end of the war, it suffered severe bombings by Allied Forces. After the war, the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) of North Borneo (now Sabah) took over the operation and maintenance of the airport.

Regular passenger service commenced in May 1949, with a weekly Malayan Airways flight from Singapore, via Kuching and Labuan; the route was extended to Sandakan in September 1949. By 1950, the airport served as a stopover for a biweekly flights between Hong Kong and Labuan, via Manila and Sandakan operated by Cathay Pacific. The domestic air service was further developed by Sabah Airways Limited (later known as Borneo Airways) in 1953, connecting the town to Sandakan, Kudat, Ranau, Keningau and Tawau.

By 1957, the original grass strip runway was resurfaced with bitumen material and a new terminal was built. In 1959, the runway had been extended to 1,593 metres to enable the operation of Malayan Airways' turboprop Viscount aircraft.

By 1963, the runway was further reinforced and lengthened to 1,921 meters to cater for Malaysian Airways Comet 4 jet operations. Commercial flights and passenger arrivals gradually increased and a larger terminal building was needed. By 1967, Cathay Pacific Airways operated a twice-weekly Convair 880 jet service between the airport and Hong Kong with an intermediate stop in Manila.

Transport Kota Kinabalu International Airport

From Kota Kinabalu Airport passengers can use the following transports:

Bus: Get to city centre in 45 minutes.

Taxi: Arrive to city centre comfortably with a taxi.

Car Rental: Rent a car at the airport or through our search engine.

Why should you use JODOGO Airport Assistance?

• Avoid long lines and save time: JODOGO's Meet and Greet services help you bypass long queues at the airport, saving you valuable time and ensuring a seamless travel experience.
• Have a stress-free travel experience: JODOGO’s experienced and professional staff will handle every detail of your airport experience, allowing you to relax and enjoy your journey.
• Get personalized attention: JODOGO’s staff provides personalized attention and assistance, ensuring all your needs are met with care and efficiency.
• Enjoy a variety of services: JODOGO offers a variety of services to meet your needs, including Meet and Greet, porter assistance, fast-track check-in and security, and lounge access.
• Benefit from competitive rates: JODOGO offers competitive rates for its services, making it an affordable option for travelers. Enjoy 24/7 support—JODOGO is always available to assist you with your travel needs.
• Experience a smooth and efficient airport experience: JODOGO's staff is trained to deliver a smooth and efficient airport experience for every traveler.
• Feel confident and secure: JODOGO's knowledgeable and experienced staff ensures you are always in good hands.
• Relax and enjoy your trip: With JODOGO's assistance, you can relax and enjoy your journey, knowing your airport experience is fully taken care of.