Kuala Lumpur International Airport is the main airport serving Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, and one of the major aviation hubs in Southeast Asia. Located in Sepang, approximately 50 kilometers south of the city center, KLIA opened in 1998, timed to coincide with the XVI Commonwealth Games held in Kuala Lumpur. The airport was designed by Kisho Kurokawa and features a distinctive hyperbolic paraboloid roof inspired by Islamic geometric patterns and the surrounding tropical rainforest. KLIA comprises two terminals: the main terminal handles full-service carriers and processes over 25 million passengers annually, while KLIA2, which opened in 2014, is a purpose-built low-cost carrier terminal serving AirAsia and other budget airlines, handling a similar passenger volume. Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia both use KLIA as their primary hub. The airport is connected to Kuala Lumpur Sentral station in the city center by the KLIA Ekspres, a high-speed rail service that covers the distance in 28 minutes. The airport sits within a large development zone that includes the Sepang International Circuit, which hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix. KLIA operates three runways and its strategic position along the Straits of Malacca air corridor makes it a competitive transfer hub for flights between the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Australasia, supported by Malaysia's liberal air service agreements and competitive airport charges.

Aviation Terms

Airfield Lighting (AGL) Airport Category Airport Elevation (ELEV) Airport Fire Station (ARFF) Airport Lounge Airport Reference Point (ARP) Apron Automated Passport Control (APC)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city center?

The KLIA Ekspres train runs non-stop from KLIA to KL Sentral station in 28 minutes, with fares starting at MYR 55 one-way. Trains depart every 15-20 minutes. The KLIA Transit makes several stops along the way and takes about 35 minutes. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab cost approximately MYR 80-120 to central Kuala Lumpur.

How many terminals does Kuala Lumpur International Airport have?

KLIA has two terminals. The main terminal (KLIA) handles full-service carriers including Malaysia Airlines and other Oneworld and SkyTeam partners. KLIA2, opened in 2014, is a dedicated low-cost carrier terminal serving AirAsia and other budget airlines. The two terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus that takes about 15 minutes.

What lounges are available at Kuala Lumpur Airport?

KLIA offers several lounges in both terminals. The Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge in the main terminal is one of the largest in Southeast Asia, open to business class and Oneworld Emerald/Sapphire members. The Plaza Premium Lounge operates pay-per-use facilities in both KLIA and KLIA2, accessible through Priority Pass or direct purchase.

Is KLIA a good airport for transit connections?

Yes, KLIA is designed as a major Southeast Asian hub with efficient transfer facilities. International-to-international connections within the same terminal can be completed in under 60 minutes. Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia both offer extensive regional networks. Transit passengers with long layovers can take advantage of free city tours through the Tourism Malaysia counter.

Are there hotels inside Kuala Lumpur Airport?

Yes, the Sama-Sama Hotel is directly connected to the main KLIA terminal via an enclosed walkway, offering rooms bookable by the hour or overnight. The Sama-Sama Express also operates transit hotels within the airside area of both KLIA and KLIA2. Capsule by Container Hotel provides budget pod-style accommodation inside KLIA2.