The Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is Malaysia’s main international airport and one of the major airports in South East Asia. Built in Sepang district of Selangor, it is located approximately 45 km south of Kuala Lumpur city centre. KLIA is the largest and busiest airport in Malaysia and the world’s 24 th busiest airport by total passenger traffic. KLIA is operated by Malaysia Airports (MAHB) Sepang Sdn Bhd. Malaysia Airlines operates its Flight Management Building at KLIA and it is one of the first Asia Pacific airports to become 100% Bar Coded Boarding Pass capable.

The ground breaking ceremony for KLIA took place on 1 June 1993 when the government decided that the existing Kuala Lumpur Airport, then known as Subang International Airport (now Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport) could not handle future demand. The chief architect who designed KLIA is Dr Kisho Kurokawa from Japan. KLIA was designed using the ‘Airport in the Forest, Forest in the Airport’ concept. An entire section of the Malaysia’s rainforest was transplanted in the KLIA’s satellite building with the cooperation from the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM). Upon KLIA’s completion, Subang Airport’s Terminal 1 building was demolished. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) airport code KUL was transferred to KLIA while Subang Airport’s IATA code has since been changed to SZB.

KLIA’s site spans 100 square kilometres of former agricultural land and is one of the world’s largest airport sites. KLIA was officially inaugurated by the 10 th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Ja’afar of Negeri Sembilan on 27 June 1998, in time for the 1998 Commonwealth Games hosted by Malaysia. The first domestic arrival was Malaysia Airlines flight MH1263 from Kuantan and the first domestic departure was Malaysia Airlines flight MH1432 to Langkawi. The first international arrival was Malaysia Airlines flight MH188 from Male and the first international departure was Malaysia Airlines flight MH84 to Beijing.

KLIA has three parallel runways designed for simultaneous take-offs and landing. One for KLIA Main Terminal, one for KLIA2 Terminal and another one that can be used for both terminals. Being an international airport, all terminals are equipped with immigration processing facilities and security scanning for all passengers.

Tourist Attractions

KLIA itself is a unique airport that offers something for everyone whether for business, entertainment or relaxation. KLIA is surrounded by four main cities namely Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam, Seremban and Malacca. The Passenger Terminal Complex (PTC) comprises three buildings, which are the Main Terminal, the Satellite Building and the Contact Pier.

The Satellite Building is where the most activities regarding visitors to and from KLIA are happening. Shopping spots are available in an area of 85,000 square metres with wide arrays of prestige brand boutiques and duty-free shops that includes Burberry, Harrods, Montblanc, Salvatore Ferragamo etcetera. A number of restaurants and international lounges are also available. Within KLIA terminal, wireless internet (Wi-Fi) is provided free of charge. Other common facilities at KLIA includes prayer rooms, showers and massage service, lounge areas, wash rooms and children’s play areas.

Hotels

Sama Sama Hotel KLIA

Sama Sama Hotel KLIA has a very good location, situated 2.01 km from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. It offers splendid service together with wide range of facilities provided.

Nilai Springs Resort Hotel

This hotel is a perfect choice for people seeking a luxurious treat for holiday. Get the most excellent services and make your stay a memorable experience. Nilai Springs Resort Hotel is situated around 12.36 km from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Tune Hotel Sepang

Another great overnight option situated about 1.68 km from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. A simple, yet practical hotel with decent facilities.

Empress Hotel Sepang

Empress Hotel Sepang is a good company for business traveller for its services and strategic location. It is also near to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, situated around 8.67 km.

Sri Langit Hotel KLIA, KLIA 2 & F1

For family vacation or leisure, Sri Langit Hotel KLIA, KLIA 2 & F1 provides a satisfactory comfort during your stay. It is conveniently reachable from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport around 7.65 km.

The Youniq Hotel KLIA

One of the most common preferred hotel situated just 7.59 km from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. This hotel is likable by many tourist travelling solo, accompanied with friends or family.