Kota Kinabalu International Airport is the main air terminal for the state capital of Sabah, Malaysia as well as flights into Borneo. It is located less than 5 miles southwest of Kota Kinabalu city centre.

This commercial airport sees 4 million tourists pass through annually, however its early years were spent as a military airbase. Built by Japanese occupying forces, it was then known as Jessleton Airfield.

By the Fifties, the airfield underwent redevelopment as a commercial and passenger flight destination. In January 2007, a second terminal was opened to handle large, international aircraft. The airport's runways are currently being lengthened to handle Airbus 380s which is expected to triple the airport's flights and passenger numbers.

Terminal 1 is Kota Kinablu International Airport's main terminal and features duty free shopping, car hire, several waiting lounges, a selection of restaurants and many small kiosks. The main airline in this terminal is Malaysia Airlines. Other airlines operating here are: Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines and Korean Air.

Terminal 2 was the airport's original terminal and has undergone refurbishment in recent years. It features a VIP lounge, shops, restaurants, car hire and travel agents. This terminal handles flights to China as well as Indonesia.

When arriving into Kota Kinabalu, car hire is strongly recommended. Taxis and public transportation is available, however it can be quite time consuming and is frequently expensive. Car hire can be found at the airport easily, from: Level 1, Lot 39.

During your stay in beautiful Kota Kinabalu and Borneo, a car hire will allow you to visit beautiful attractions such as: Kinabalu National Park (60 miles), Lok Kwai Zoo (14 miles), Tanjung Aru beach resort (4 miles), Crocker Range National Park (50 miles), Rafflesia Wildlife Reserve (20 miles), Tuaran Crocodile Farm (20 miles).