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Kuala Lumpur International Airport

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Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur
The KLIA control tower and part of the airport
Summary
Airport typePublic
OwnerGovernment of Malaysia
OperatorMalaysia Airports Holdings Berhad
ServesKlang Valley
LocationSepang, Selangor, Malaysia
Hub for
Time zoneMST (UTC+08:00)
Elevation AMSL70 ft / 21 m
Websitewww.klia.com.my
Map
WMKK is located in Peninsular Malaysia
WMKK
WMKK
Runways
Direction Length Surface
m ft
14L/32R 4,019 13,186 Concrete
14R/32L 4,000 13,123 Concrete
Statistics (2012)
Passenger movements39,887,866
Airfreight movements in tonnes673,107
Aircraft movements283,352
Source: AIP Malaysia[1]

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) (IATA: KUL, ICAO: WMKK) is Malaysia's main international airport and is also one of the major airports of South East Asia serving the Greater Klang Valley conurbation. Built at a cost of US$3.5 billion[2] in Sepang district of Selangor, it is located approximately 60 kilometres (37 mi) from the city centre of Kuala Lumpur.

The airport can currently handle 40 million passengers and 1.2 million tonnes of cargo a year. In 2010, it handled 34,087,636 passengers; in 2011 it handled 669,849 metric tonnes of cargo. It was ranked the 9th busiest airport in the world by international passenger traffic, and is the 4th busiest international airport in Asia. It was ranked the 19th busiest airport by cargo traffic in 2010.[3]

The airport is operated by Malaysia Airports (MAHB) Sepang Sdn Bhd and is the major hub of Malaysia Airlines, MASkargo, AirAsia, AirAsia X, Malindo Air and Department of Civil Aviation (DCA).

History

Background

KLIA main entrance from the side
KLIA Main terminal architecture

The ground breaking ceremony for Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) took place on 1 June 1993 [citation needed] when the government decided that the existing Kuala Lumpur International Airport, officially then known as Subang International Airport (now Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport) could not handle future demand. The 4th Prime Minister of Malaysia's Tun Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohamad instigated the project as part of the development of the Multimedia Super Corridor a grand development plan for the nation.

Upon KLIA's completion, Subang International Airport's Terminal 1 building was demolished. Malaysia Airports agreed to redevelop the remaining Terminal 3 to create Subang International Airport a specialist airport for turboprop and charter planes surrounded by a residential area and a business park.

The IATA airport code KUL was inherited from Subang International Airport, which currently handles only turboprop aircraft, general aviation and military aircraft. Subsequently, Subang International Airport's IATA code was changed to SZB.

Current site

The airport's site spans 100 square kilometres (25,000 acres)2,[2] of former agricultural land and is one of the world's largest airport sites. An ambitious three-phase development plan anticipates KLIA to have five runways and two terminals each with two satellite terminals.[4] Phase One involved the construction of the main terminal and one satellite terminal, giving a capacity of 25 million passengers, and two full service runways. The Phase One airport had sixty contact piers, twenty remote parking bays with eighty aircraft parking positions, four maintenance hangars and fire stations. Phase Two, designed to increase capacity to 35 million passengers per year is largely complete. Phase Three is anticipated to increase capacity to 100 million passengers per year.[4]

Grand opening

Kuala Lumpur International Airport was officially inaugurated by the 10th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Ja'afar of Negeri Sembilan, on 27 June 1998 at 20:30 MST, a week ahead of Hong Kong International Airport and in time for the 1998 Commonwealth Games. The first domestic arrival was Malaysia Airlines flight MH1263 from Kuantan (Kuantan Airport) at 07:10 MST. The first international arrival was Malaysia Airlines flight MH188 from Malé International Airport at 07:30 MST. The first domestic departure was Malaysia Airlines flight MH1432 to Langkawi (Langkawi International Airport) at 07:20 MST; the first international departure was Malaysia Airlines flight MH84 to Beijing (Beijing Capital International Airport) at 09:00 MST.[5]

Inauguration

Inside the main terminal building.
The Jungle boardwalk, a recreational walk path located at the centre core of the KLIA satellite terminal.

The inauguration of the airport was marked with problems. Aerobridge and bay allocation systems broke down, queues built up throughout the airport and baggage handling broke down. Bags were lost and there were waits of over five hours.[6] Most of these issues were remedied eventually, though baggage handling system was plagued with problems until it was put up for a complete replacement tender in 2007.

The airport suffered greatly reduced traffic with the general reduction in economic activity brought about by the East Asian financial crisis, SARS, bird flu epidemic (Avian flu), the global financial crisis and the swine flu pandemic. 1998 saw a reduction of passenger numbers as some airlines, including All Nippon Airways, British Airways, Lufthansa (later reinstated) and Northwest Airlines, terminated their loss making services to KLIA. KLIA's first full year of operations in 1999, in its Phase One manifestation (capacity of 25 million passengers per year), saw only 13.2 million passengers.[7] Passenger numbers eventually increased to 21.1 million in 2004 and 23.2 million in 2005 — though short of the originally estimated 25 million passengers per year by 2003.

Runways

Kuala Lumpur International Airport has two parallel runways, located 2 kilometers from each other, which are designed for simultaneous take-offs and landings. The first is 4,000 m × 60 m (13,123 ft × 197 ft). The second runway is 4,019 m × 60 m (13,186 ft × 197 ft).

Operations and infrastructure

Main article: Operations and Infrastructure of Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Infrastructure
Passenger terminal buildings
Totals (current) (After LCCT Relocation)
Floor area 514,694 m2 692,627 m²
Handling capacity 40 million passengers 70 million passengers
Parking bays 46 (aerobridge)
68 (contact)
21 (remote) 		LCCT Relocation Plan yet to be unveiled
Main Terminal Building 1 & Contact Pier
Opened 27 June 1998 (operational)
Floor area 336,000 m2
Handling capacity 5 million passengers per annum
Parking bays 20 (aerobridge)
23 (remote)
Satellite Terminal A
Opened 27 June 1998 (operational)
Floor area 143,404 m2
Handling capacity 20 million passengers per annum
Parking bays 26 (aerobridge)
15 (remote)
Low Cost Carrier Terminal
Opened 23 March 2006 (operational)
Floor area 35,290 m2
Handling capacity 15 million
Parking bays 30
KLIA2[8]
Opening on 2 May 2014
Floor area 242,000 m2
Handling capacity 45 million
Parking bays 68
Bunga Raya Complex
Opened 27 June 1998 (official)
Floor area
Handling capacity
Parking bays 1

KLIA features a number of modern design features that assist in efficient operation of the airport. It is one of the first Asia Pacific airports to become 100% Bar Coded Boarding Pass capable.[9] AirAsia, a Malaysian passenger airline;[10] MASkargo, a cargo airline;[11] and Malaysia Airports, the Malaysian Airports operator and manager; are headquartered on the property of KLIA.[12] Malaysia Airlines operates its Flight Management Building at KLIA.[13]

Terminals

The Passenger Terminal Complex (PTC) was built with an emphasis on allowing natural light into the building. Thus, there is a huge expanse of glass throughout the building, and the spectacular roof has cut-outs for natural light to filter in. The PTC comprises three buildings – the Main Terminal Building, the Satellite Building and the Contact Pier. Besides the 80-room hotel at the Satellite Building, there is a 450-room 5-star Pan Pacific KLIA hotel a 10-minute (indoor) walk away. Shopping spots are available in an area encompassing 85,000 square metres. Currently, the retail space at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport stands at 67,000 square metres (720,000 sq ft). The airport operator plans to increase the retail space to 105,300 square metres (1,133,000 sq ft), an 62.2% increase in retail space. [citation needed]

As there are international flights operating out from the airport, therefore terminals of the airport are equipped with immigration processing facilities and security scanning for all passengers including domestic passengers. The Satellite terminal handles most of the international flights, while the main terminal building's contact pier handles domestic traffic, regional international flights and international flights routed to other hubs within Malaysia. Malaysia Airlines operate from both terminals, where main terminal building's contact pier is their preferred terminal for domestic flights. Conversely, low cost carriers such as AirAsia Group of Airlines, Tigerairand Cebu Pacific operates domestic and international flights out of the low cost carrier terminal.[14]

The initial passenger growth was below average due to Asian Financial Crisis and the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic in 2003 and the airport failed to reach its target capacity of 25 million passengers per annum (before the inclusion of low cost carrier terminal) by 2004. However, the recovery of Malaysia's economy boosted Kuala Lumpur International Airport's passenger movements, and the airport saw significant growth in traffic, hitting the 25 million passenger mark in 2007. In January 2008, the airport saw a growth of 8.3% in aircraft movements and 7.7% in passenger traffic to 2.17 million in January 2008 from 2.02 million in the same period last year.[15]

Main terminal building and contact pier

Malaysia Airlines at Contact Pier

The Main terminal building or Terminal 1 is located in between the two runways. The floor area of the terminal covers 390,000 m2 (4,200,000 sq ft) and the building consists of 39 square roof units, which enables future expansion of the building. There are a total of 216 check-in counters, located in 6 different islands, identified by the letters A – M (excluding I). Multi check-in services are available, designed for the use of all passengers arriving, departing or in transit. On 2 February 2007, Malaysia Airports introduces 12 integrated self check-in kiosks (CUSS) for passengers. The first airline to use that system is KLM.[16] A further 24 kiosks will be added later by the airport operator[17][18]

The contact pier is the rectangular-shaped terminal that is connected to the Main Terminal Building. It serves as the domestic terminal for Malaysia Airlines. Some international flights are handled there as well. Previously it used to cater to low-cost carriers' passengers. At the north side of the pier, it can only accommodate narrow-bodied aircraft. In contrast, the south side of the contact pier can accommodate Boeing 737 and Boeing 747 or similar sized aircraft. [citation needed]

There were plans to increase and maximize the Main Terminal Building's and Contact Pier's retail area however, the plan was postponed due to Visit Malaysia Year 2007.[19]

The gates in Main Terminal Building's contact pier has alphabet prefix of A and B for domestic flights, which is accessible from domestic departures on Level 3 where passengers descend after security check, and G and H for international flights. Basically Gates G & H are sharing the same boarding lounge as Gates A & B, where after boarding and secondary security check (before boarding aircraft)passengers descend into the same boarding lounge with the doors for "A & B" on level 3 sealed off for international flights. For domestic flights, the stairs to access "G & H" are sealed off instead.

Satellite terminal A

Interior of the Satellite Terminal

The 176,000 square metres (1,890,000 sq ft) satellite building accommodates international flights departing and arriving at KLIA. Passengers have to travel to the satellite building via the Aerotrain. There is a wide array of duty-free shops and prestige brand boutiques in the satellite building. This includes international brands such as Burberry, Harrods, Montblanc, Salvatore Ferragamo and recently, Mango has opened its first boutique at an airport in the Asian region. [citation needed] Among all international labels available within the terminal, some boutiques such as Harrods are only available in the airport. A number of restaurants and international airlines' lounges are available as well as an Airside Transit Hotel.

Within the terminal, wireless internet (Wifi) is provided free of charge. The terminal also has prayer rooms, showers and massage service. Various lounge areas are provided, some including children's play areas and movie lounge, broadcasting movie and sport channels.[20] The terminal also features a natural rainforest in the middle of the terminal, exhibiting the Malaysian forests.

Palm trees in the satellite building
Satellite building near the Aerotrain

Under Malaysia Airports Berhad retail optimisation plan, the retail space in satellite terminal A will be further optimized to increase its revenue derived from commercial space rental and a percentage of sale receipts to 50% by year 2010 which currently stands at 35%. Some notable improvements that will be seen after the refurbishments will be the Jungle Boardwalk which will be the first of its kind in the world and larger mezzanine floor to accommodate F&B outlets and viewing galleries.[21]

The gates in Satellite Terminal A have the prefix C.The Satellite A terminal has 27 boarding gates altogether.

Low cost carrier terminal (LCCT)

KLIA Low Cost Carrier Terminal
international departure waiting lounge in LCCT before the 2008 expansion

The Low cost carrier terminal (LCCT) was opened at Kuala Lumpur International Airport to cater for the growing number of users of low cost airlines, especially the passengers of Malaysia's "no-frills" airline, AirAsia.

Prior to its operation as a terminal for low cost airlines, the LCCT was used for cargo purposes.

The 36,000 square metres (390,000 sq ft) terminal is designed and built to suit the low cost carrier business model that requires only basic terminal amenities. As requested by the low cost airline, the terminal does not provide aerobridges. Nor are there transfer facilities like those found at the main terminal. As there is no rail link with the main terminal, passengers who need to make transfers need to clear immigration, collect their luggage, clear customs, make their way to the main terminal and re-checkin with their respective airline.

LCCT is located on the opposite side of the apron from the Main Terminal Building, near the air cargo area. LCCT is about 2 km from the Main Terminal Building in direct distance, but by road is about 16 km.

The current Low Cost Carrier Terminal is a temporary solution for the increasing demand of no-frills airline passengers. Therefore, Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad has plans to build a new permanent LCC terminal which can accommodate 45 million passengers per year.[22] In the meantime, the airport operator decided to expand the current terminal to keep up with the increasing demand. The new arrival hall was first open on 15 December 2008.[23] This airport was the first airport to have separation between normal carriers and low cost carrier.

The terminal is due to be replaced by a new low cost carrier terminal, klia2, whose opening has been postponed several times due to various reasons. The current expected opening date for KLIA2 is May 2014 but in December 2013, there were reports that the official opening date was likely to be postponed yet again, despite construction already nearing completion.[24]

The gates in LCCT have letter prefix of P for domestic departures and T for international departures. However this is not always followed depending on aircraft parking position and there are temporary immigration booths in domestic departure gates.

KL City Air Terminal

KL City Air Terminal, sometimes known as Kuala Lumpur City Air Terminal or KL CAT located at KL Sentral is a virtual extension of KL International Airport where city check-in services are provided. KL City Air Terminal is recognized by International Air Transport Association which carries IATA designation XKL. Currently there are only 4 airlines providing city check-in services, they are Cathay Pacific, Emirates Airline, Malaysia Airlines and Royal Brunei Airlines. However, the situation is due to be changed as 10 SITA's AirportConnect CUTE (Common Use Terminal Equipment) were installed on 10 check-in desks in KL CAT that enables all airlines to offer city check-in service for their passengers.[25] Apart from providing check-in services, the virtual terminal operator, Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd which operates KLIA Express is planning to roll out baggage check-out service in January 2008 whereby passengers only collect their baggage and declare taxable items in Kuala Lumpur City Air Terminal.[26]

Airlines and destinations

A Malaysia Airlines Airbus A380 taxiing out for departure
KLM Boeing 747-400 getting airborne from Kuala Lumpur International Airport
A Lufthansa Airbus A340-600 on final approach to KLIA
Qatar Airways Airbus A300-600 upon arrival to KLIA
An Etihad Airways Boeing 777-300 lifting up from Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Air China Boeing 757-200 taxiing after arrival
A Japan Airlines Boeing 767-300 clearing for departure
A SriLankan Airlines Airbus A340-300 upon arrival to Kuala Lumpur International Airport
An Air India Express Boeing 737-800 taxiing out, with China Southern Airlines Airbus A319 on the foreground
Vietnam Airlines Airbus A321-300 leaving Kuala Lumpur International Airport
An Uzbekistan Airways Airbus A310-200 preparing for departure

Passenger

AirlinesDestinationsTerminal
Air Astana Almaty Satellite
Air France Paris-Charles de Gaulle Satellite
Air India Express Chennai Satellite
Air Mauritius MauritiusNote 1 Satellite
AirAsia Alor Setar, Balikpapan, Banda Aceh, Bandar Seri Begawan, Bandung, Bangkok-Don Mueang, Bangalore, Bintulu, Chiang Mai, Chennai, Denpasar, Guangzhou, Guilin, Hanoi, Hat Yai, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Jakarta-Soekarno Hatta, Johor Bahru, Kochi, Kolkata, Kota Bharu, Kota Kinabalu, Krabi, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Kunming, Labuan, Langkawi, Lombok, Macau, Makassar, Medan, Miri, Nanning, Padang, Palembang, Pekanbaru, Penang, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Sandakan, Semarang, Shenzhen, Sibu, Siem Reap, Singapore, Solo, Surabaya, Surat Thani, Tawau, Tiruchirapalli, Vientiane, Yangon, Yogyakarta LCCT
AirAsia X Adelaide, Beijing-Capital, Busan, Chengdu, Colombo, Gold Coast, Hangzhou, Jeddah, Kathmandu, Malé, Melbourne, Nagoya-Centrair (begins 17 March 2014),[27] Osaka-Kansai, Perth, Seoul-Incheon, Shanghai-Pudong, Sydney, Taipei-Taoyuan, Tokyo-Haneda LCCT
AirAsia Zest Cebu, Manila LCCT
Bangkok Airways Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi, Koh Samui Satellite
Biman Bangladesh Airlines Dhaka Satellite
Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Satellite
Cebu Pacific Cebu, Manila LCCT
China Airlines Taipei-Taoyuan Satellite
China Eastern Airlines Shanghai-Pudong Satellite
China Southern Airlines Guangzhou Satellite
EgyptAir Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi, Cairo Satellite
Emirates Dubai-International, Melbourne Satellite
Ethiopian Airlines Addis Ababa, Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi Satelitte
Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Satellite
EVA Air Taipei-Taoyuan Satellite
Garuda Indonesia Jakarta-Soekarno Hatta Satellite
Indonesia AirAsia Bandung, Denpasar, Jakarta-Soekarno Hatta, Medan, Surabaya LCCT
Iran Air Tehran-Imam Khomeini Satellite
Iraqi Airways Baghdad Satellite
Japan Airlines Tokyo-Narita Satellite
Jetstar Asia Airways Singapore Satellite
KLM Amsterdam, Jakarta-Soekarno Hatta Satellite
Korean Air Seoul-Incheon Satellite
Kuwait Airways Jakarta-Soekarno Hatta, Kuwait Satellite
Lion Air Jakarta-Soekarno Hatta Satellite
Lufthansa Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi (ends 29 March 2014), Frankfurt Note 2 Satellite
Mahan Air Tehran-Imam Khomeini Satellite
Malaysia Airlines Alor Star, Bintulu, Johor Bahru, Kota Bharu, Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Labuan, Langkawi, Miri, Penang, Sandakan, Sibu, Tawau Main (Gates A-B)
Malaysia Airlines Adelaide, Amsterdam, Auckland, Beijing-Capital, Brisbane, Denpasar, Dubai-International, Delhi, Dhaka, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Istanbul-Atatürk, Jeddah, London-Heathrow, Los Angeles (ends 30 April 2014), Melbourne, Mumbai, Osaka-Kansai, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Perth, Seoul-Incheon, Shanghai-Pudong, Sydney, Tokyo-Narita Satellite (Gates C)
Malaysia Airlines Bandar Seri Begawan, Bangalore, Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi, Chennai, Colombo, Darwin, Delhi, Denpasar, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Hyderabad, Jakarta-Soekarno Hatta, Kathmandu, Kochi, Kunming, Krabi (begins 3 February 2014),[28] Malé, Manila, Medan, Mumbai, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Siem Reap, Singapore, Taipei-Taoyuan, Yangon, Xiamen Note 3 Main (Gates G-H)
Malindo Air Johor Bahru (ends 15 February 2014), Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Langkawi, Penang, Sibu Main (Gates A-B)
Malindo Air Ahmebadad (begins 19 March 2014),[29] Chittagong, Delhi, Denpasar, Dhaka, Jakarta-Soekarno Hatta, Mumbai (begins 15 February 2014),[30] Tiruchirapalli Main (Gates G-H)
Myanmar Airways International Yangon Satellite
Nepal Airlines Kathmandu Satellite
Oman Air Muscat Satellite
Pakistan International Airlines Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar Satellite
Philippine Airlines Manila Satellite
Qatar Airways Doha, Phuket Satellite
Regent Airways Dhaka Satellite
Royal Brunei Airlines Bandar Seri Begawan Satellite
Royal Jordanian Amman-Queen Alia, Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi Satellite
Saudia Jeddah, Medina, Riyadh Satellite
SilkAir Singapore Satellite
Singapore Airlines Singapore Satellite
SriLankan Airlines Colombo Satellite
Thai AirAsia Bangkok-Don Mueang LCCT
Thai Airways International Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi Satellite
Thai Lion Air Bangkok-Don Mueang Main
Tigerair Singapore LCCT
Turkish Airlines Istanbul-Atatürk Satellite
United Airways Dhaka Satellite
Uzbekistan Airways Singapore (begins 3 April 2014),[31] Tashkent Satellite
Vietnam Airlines Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City Satellite
Xiamen Airlines Fuzhou, Xiamen Satellite
Yemenia Dubai, Jakarta-Soekarno Hatta, Sana'a Satellite

^Note 1 Air Mauritius does not have traffic rights to transport passengers solely between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

^Note 2 Lufthansa will not have traffic rights to transport passenger solely between Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta.

^Note 3 Malaysia Airlines regional/international flights using narrow body aircraft depart from Main Terminal Gates G/H which is actually the upper floor of Gates A/B after immigration. However this was revised when equipment in different dates are varies and change by time to time.

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Template:collapse is not available for use in articles (see MOS:COLLAPSE).

Cargo

AirlinesDestinations
Cargolux Baku, Chennai, Luxembourg, Singapore
China Airlines Cargo Chennai, Luxembourg, Penang, Taipei-Taoyuan
FedEx Express Cebu, Guangzhou, Penang, Singapore, Tokyo-Narita
Hong Kong Airlines Hong Kong
Korean Air Cargo Seoul-Incheon, Penang
MASkargo Amsterdam, Baku, Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi, Chennai, Colombo-Bandaranaike, Frankfurt, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Jakarta-Soekarno-Hatta, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Labuan, Manila, Medan, Penang, Shanghai-Pudong, Sharjah, Sydney, Taipei-Taoyuan, Tokyo-Narita
Transmile Air Services Anchorage, Bangalore, Chennai, Hong Kong, Jakarta-Soekarno-Hatta, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Luik, Malmo, Manila, Medan, Mumbai, Nagoya, Osaka-Kansai, Penang, Riverside, Shanghai-Pudong, Shenzhen, Singapore, Tokyo-Narita, Taipei-Taoyuan
UPS Airlines Shenzhen, Osaka, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul, Taipei, Manila, Bangkok, Mumbai, Anchorage, Los Angeles, Louisville, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York, Vancouver, Toronto

Statistics

Annual passenger numbers

Operational statistics of Kuala Lumpur International Airport[32]
Year Passenger movements Aircraft movements Cargo handled (tonnes)
1998 6,524,405 64,123 156,641
1999 13,172,635 116,589 417,068
2000 14,732,876 109,925 510,594
2001 14,538,831 113,590 440,864
2002 16,398,230 127,952 527,124
2003 17,454,564 139,590 586,195
2004 21,058,572 165,115 651,747
2005 23,213,926 182,537 653,654
2006 24,129,748 183,869 672,888
2007 26,453,379 193,710 644,100
2008 27,529,355 211,228 649,077
2009 29,682,093 226,751 584,559
2010 34,087,636 245,650 674,902
2011 37,704,510 269,509 669,849
2012 39,887,866 283,352 673,107

Busiest International Routes

Busiest international routes to and from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (2012)[33]
Rank Airport Passengers handled % Change
2011 / 12
1 Singapore 3,110,166 Increase 5.6
2 Jakarta-Soekarno-Hatta 1,843,397 Increase 18.8
3 Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi 1,454,245 Decrease 1.1
4 Hong Kong 1,309,000 Increase 0.5
5 Denpasar 782,861 Decrease 1.5
6 Ho Chi Minh City 733,523 Increase 12.0
7 Taipei-Taoyuan 695,284 Increase 6.2
8 Melbourne 635,105 Decrease 7.7
9 Dubai 631,210 Increase 2.6
10 Guangzhou 608,533 Increase 2.1
11 Medan 585,430 Increase 10.3
12 Phuket 574,935 Increase 10.6
13 Seoul-Incheon 565,936 Increase 9.0
14 Surabaya 521,061 Decrease 5.5
15 Sydney 506,610 Increase 32.8
16 London-Heathrow 486,427 Increase 12.2
17 Chennai 478,506 Increase 8.1
18 Perth 466,457 Increase 3.7
19 Dhaka 446,024 Increase 17.0
20 Manila 423,905 Increase 31.7
21 Colombo 403,358 Increase 20.6
22 Amsterdam 389,849 Decrease 1.8
23 Beijing-Capital 389,567 Increase 58.1
24 Shanghai-Pudong 381,174 Increase 0.8
25 Doha 358,643 Increase 43.5
26 Bandung 335,766 Increase 6.6
27 Tokyo-Narita 318,357 Increase 8.8
28 Jeddah 311,508 Increase 11.5
29 Bandar Seri Begawan 310,709 Increase 7.3
30 Phnom Penh 293,236 Increase 11.4

Countries with the most passengers

Countries with maximum passengers to/from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (2012)[33]
Rank
Country/Region
Passengers handled
% Change
2011 / 12
1  Indonesia 4,805,197 Increase 9.8
2  Singapore 3,110,166 Increase 5.6
3  Thailand 2,622,500 Increase 15.2
4  China 2,250,302 Increase 4.3
5  Australia 2,025,133 Increase 3.0
6  India 1,471,248 Decrease 10.9
7  Hong Kong 1,309,000 Increase 0.5
8  Vietnam 1,067,586 Increase 17.5
9  United Arab Emirates 874,802 Increase 11.7
10  Japan 728,955 Increase 46.8
11  Taiwan 712,258 Increase 5.0
12  South Korea 565,936 Increase 9.0
13  Philippines 556,291 Increase 34.5
14  United Kingdom 525,637 Decrease 10.9
15  Saudi Arabia 460,235 Increase 11.9
16  Bangladesh 446,024 Increase 17.0
17  Cambodia 423,888 Increase 11.0
18  Sri Lanka 403,358 Increase 20.6
19  Netherlands 389,849 Decrease 1.8
20  Qatar 358,643 Increase 43.5

Ground transportation

Inter-terminal transportation

Aerotrain station in Satellite Building

The main terminal and its satellite are well connected by an automated people mover (called Aerotrain). Each 250-person capacity train can transport 3,000 passengers per hour in each direction at up to 56 km/h (35 mph). These three-car driverless trains run every five minutes on elevated rail and under the taxiways. The journey takes under two minutes. The Aerotrain is completely automated and shuttles passengers between the main terminal building and satellite building. There are many benefits that the Aerotrain offers such as the short journey time, simplicity and fail-safe operation, and resistance against breakdown. The train system uses pneumatic rubber-typed wheels to provide comfort for the passengers riding on the train. The Tracked Transit System (TTS) connects to two stations. One station is in the center of the contact pier’s International level and one that is close to the center of the satellite terminal’s departure/arrival level. The TTS transports passengers over an elevated guideway that is 4,219 feet. It travels under the taxiways between the main terminal and satellite buildings. The Aerotrain operates between three to five-minute intervals between terminal buildings. The total round trip time takes five minutes and five seconds with a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour. There are two three-car trains that are able to handle 5,805 passengers per hour each direction. Each train-car has a maximum capacity of 83 passengers. Automatic train control manages the operation of the entire Aerotrain system. They are in control of vehicle speeds, headways, stops and door opening in stations. They are able to integrate all functions that enhance the reliability and performance of the systems[34]

Between LCCT (Low Cost Carrier Terminal) to KLIA (Main Terminal Building)

There is no "air-side" transit between the LCCT and the Main Terminal Building. All passengers have to clear Immigration and Customs upon arrival at the LCCT before proceeding to the Main Terminal Building to re-check in for flights and vice versa.

Airport Liner: (Bus service) Provides bus service from LCCT to KLIA. For passengers who wish to continue journey to Nilai Komuter station, this is the same bus that you have to take, with a change of buses at KLIA.

This bus awaits passengers at the 3rd taxi lane from the terminal, not with the other buses.

External connections

Rail

Main articles: KLIA Express, KLIA Transit, KLIA ERL station, KL Sentral

Kuala Lumpur International Airport is served by two direct rail services, namely KLIA Express and KLIA Transit. The KLIA Express provides a non-stop express train service to/from KL City Air Terminal (KL CAT) which has an IATA designation XKL. It is a part of KL Sentral transportation hub in Kuala Lumpur. The non-stop trip between KL Sentral and KLIA is 57 kilometers long and the journey takes exactly 28 minutes. Passengers who want to use this service and are departing from Kuala Lumpur International Airport with the following airlines can use the in-city check-in facilities installed at KL City Air Terminal (KL CAT), provided that the check-in process is done at least 2 hours before flight departure time.

Whereas, KLIA Transit provides a commuter train service between KL Sentral and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport ERL station. This service shares the same tracks with KLIA Express but making stops at three intermediate stations along the journey namely Bandar Tasik Selatan station, Putrajaya/Cyberjaya ERL station and Salak Tinggi ERL station. Check-in facilities are not available at all KLIA Transit stations. Passengers to/from Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) can use KLIA Transit service by boarding the provided shuttle bus at Salak Tinggi ERL station.

Taxis and limousine

Airport taxis or airport limousines are provided by Airport Limo. The taxis and limousines are readily available at the Taxi and Limousine counters. They run from airport itself to destinations in Klang Valley and Greater Klang Valley. The fares are to be paid at the counter and are charged according to the destinations' zone. A surcharge is applied for services between 12 am to 5 am

Bus

Both public and private buses connect KLIA to several points in Kuala Lumpur and beyond.

From Main Terminal Building-KLIA Bus Station

All buses to the Main Terminal Building go to "KLIA Bus Station" which is located at the basement in Carpark C. It is accessible by going to Level 2 and proceeding to the carpark entrance/walkway to the Hotel and taking a dedicated escalator/stairs down. (Elevators are also available) It has its own convenience store, cafe, toilets as well as bus ticketing counters which resemble common long-distance bus ticketing counters throughout Malaysia.[35]

Airport Coach: (May be known as "Express Coach")

  • To KL Sentral. Departs at 5:30AM <every half an hour until> 10:30PM, 11:30PM, 12:30AM

Airport Liner:

  • To Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT). Departs at 5:30AM, 5:50AM <every half an hour until> 11.50PM
  • To Nilai Komuter station. Departs 5:30AM <every half an hour until> 12:30AM.

Cityliner

Star Shuttle

Long distance buses outside of Klang Valley area

YoYo Bus

[36]

From Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT)

All buses from LCCT depart from the open-air "bus park" at the end of the terminal, towards a big food court except for "Airport Liner" (to KLIA-Main Terminal Building and Nilai Komuter and the "KLIA Transit shuttle bus" which ferries passengers to Salak Tinggi ERL Station

Aerobus:

  • To KL Sentral. Departs at 4:30AM <every half an hour until> 2:00AM
  • To Genting Highlands. Departs at 9:00AM, 11:00AM, 1:15PM <every two hours until> 5:15PM, 8:30PM

Airport Liner:

  • To Main Terminal and Nilai Komuter station. Departs at 6:00AM <every half an hour until> 12.30AM. Passengers bound for Nilai Komuter station are required to make a free transfer to another bus at the Main Terminal.

Jetbus:

KLIA Transit via Shuttle Bus:

Skybus:

  • To KL Sentral. Departs at 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:15AM <every half an hour until> 2:45AM.
  • To Bandar Utama. Departs at 04:30AM <hourly until> 4:30PM, 6:30PM, 9:30PM, 12:30AM.

Expansion and developments

Plans

KLIA Aeropolis Masterplan

Under the new Kuala Lumpur International Airport Masterplan, a new runway and a new satellite building will be constructed to accommodate the increasing number of passengers. The airport Phase 2 development plan is to handle 40 million (Increase5 Million) passengers per year by 2008 with the expansion of low cost carrier terminal. For phase 3, the airport will expand to handle 75 million (Increase35 million) passengers per annum with the construction of a new satellite terminal and replacement of current low cost carrier terminal with a new low cost carrier terminal that will be capable of handling 30 million passengers alone. Under Phase 4, the airport will be capable to handle 100 million passengers per annum by 2020. [citation needed]

With the slight modification of the masterplan, the future Terminal 2's satellite terminal will be combined into one satellite terminal. The expansion of Terminal 2's satellite terminal will be exactly the same as Terminal 1's satellite terminal, where initially the satellite terminal will have four arms, and another four arms when the terminal reached its capacity. There is sufficient land and capacity to develop facilities to handle up to 100 million passengers a year, five runways by the year 2020 and two mega-terminals, each linked with satellite terminals.[4] The airport's vicinity will include hiking trails for jet-lagged travelers, golf courses, convention center, a theme park, a shopping center, hotels, and a wetlands nature preserve. Sepang International Circuit, which hosts Formula One, A1 Grand Prix, Super GT, IndyCar Series and MotoGP races, is also nearby. There has also been a proposal for a monorail link to the F1 circuit. The development plan is due to be ready by April 2008.[37]

Temporary Low Cost Carrier Terminal

With an increasing number of passengers using the 'Low Cost Carrier Terminal '(LCCT), MAHB approved an expansion beginning early 2007 to accommodate more passengers as the current LCCT is nearly at full capacity. The expansion of LCCT also shows the support for launch of Malaysia's first long haul low cost carrier, AirAsia X by making the terminal able to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft that are used by AirAsia X[38] However, the Low Cost Carrier Terminal is a temporary solution for budget travellers, MAHB submitted a proposal to the Transport Ministry to build a new, permanent LCC hub in between the main terminal building and satellite building A to replace the present Low Cost Carrier terminal.[39]

The airport operator has announced that the construction works for the extension of LCCT will begin in March 2008 and expected to complete by December 2008. The capacity for the LCCT will increase from 10 million passengers a year to 15 million passengers a year. A proposal for a more permanent building to house a new LCCT has been submitted and expected to have a capacity for 30 million passengers a year. It is also expected that the new LCCT will be completed by April 2012.[40] It is expected that the current LCCT will be converted into a cargo hub once the new terminal is completed.[41] The RM124 million LCCT expansion project tender was won by Fajarbaru Builder Group Bhd and construction work is expected to begin March 2008.[42] The new international arrival hall was opened on 15 December 2008 with expectation that the rest of the wing will be fully operational by March 2009.[23] The international departure hall was finally open on 18 March 2009 which expanded the handling capacity from 600 passengers at one time to 3200 passengers.[43]

KLIA2

File:Klia2 - the purposed design.jpg
Artist's impression of 'KLIA 2', the new KLIA expansion that set to replace the current Low cost carrier terminal.

KLIA2 is the latest extension of KLIA and will replace the current low cost carrier terminal. Despite original plans to locate the new terminal north of the main KLIA terminal (KLIA North) it is currently under construction at KLIA West.[44] Completion of the terminal has been revised four times, with the original date set at April 2010.[45] The third opening date was announced by Malaysian Prime Minister, Najib Razak, who requested the new terminal be opened on June 28, 2013 to coincide with the opening date of the main terminal, June 28, 1998.[46] The current opening date for KLIA2 is set at May 2, 2014, but as at December 2013 press reported that the opening is likely to be delayed yet again, despite construction nearing completion.[47]

When the terminal is completed KLIA2 will be the largest low cost carrier terminal in the South East Asian region with a total area of 257,000 square meters. There will be a total of 68 aircraft parking bays with departure gates for each parking bay, allowing the new terminal to cater up to 45 million passengers annually. There will also be a third runaway which is located 2.2 km from the second runaway.[48] An extension of the Express Rail Link to klia2 is under construction and is expected to open at the same time as the terminal. It involves a 2.14 km line extension.[49]

On 15 July 2010, it was announced that Bina Puri with partner UEM Construction has won the tender to build the terminal for MYR 997.23 million. Construction works is expected to complete within 20 months.[50]

A380 Upgrades

The operator of Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad, had spent about RM135 million (approx US$39 million) to upgrade facilities at the KL International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang to accommodate the Airbus A380. Upgrading works started on 3 April 2006, and was completed by 28 May 2007. Works include the provision of shoulders on both sides of the two existing runways of 15 meters as well as the taxiways, building additional aerobridges at the three departure halls, namely C17, C27 and C37, and enhancing the mezzanine lounges for upper deck passengers of the aircraft at the departure halls. Emirates operates flights to Kuala Lumpur with the Airbus A380 commenced on 1 January 2012.[51] Malaysia Airlines also started its A380 services from Kuala Lumpur to London on 1 July 2012.[51]

Accidents and incidents

  • In 2001, a Saudia Boeing 747 aircraft suffered nose damage as it entered a monsoon drainage ditch while being taxied from the hangar to the gate before a return flight to Saudi Arabia. None of the six crew members on board at the time were injured.
  • 14 July 2007 – An aerobridge suddenly shifted downwards, damaging the door of a Malaysia Airlines Airbus A330 bound for Beijing. The aerobridge was not occupied at the time, and no passengers or crew were injured.[52]
  • 15 October 2007 – A Palestinian national managed to hide in the landing nose gear of flight SQ119, from KLIA to Changi Airport, Singapore. He was discovered in Singapore as he fell 2.4 meters from the nose wheel after landing. Despite the cold, thin air during flight, the man survived but was apprehended in Singapore. KLIA authorities have yet to find the cause of the security breach.[53]
  • 9 April 2008 – Armed robbers shot six people in a three-minute heist and walked away with RM 3.5 million in cash. The incident happened at 7.30 pm at Door 8 when two moneychangers and two security guards walking towards the gate were ambushed by six men from a BMW vehicle. Victims were seriously injured but in stable condition.[54]
  • 9 January 2009 – A small fire broke out in the LCC terminal, shutting down the terminal for two hours and delaying 20 flights. The fire was caused by a welding spark in the construction area of the terminal.[55]
  • 3 March 2011 – 56 flights at the KL International Airport KLIA were delayed after a bomb, believed to be from World War II, was found at the site of the KLIA2 construction site.
Panoramic view of Main Terminal Building and Contact Pier
  • Skybridge from Main Terminal Building to Pan Pacific Hotel (now known as Sama Sama Hotel)
    Skybridge from Main Terminal Building to Pan Pacific Hotel (now known as Sama Sama Hotel)
  • An Alternative View of the Satellite Terminal
    An Alternative View of the Satellite Terminal
  • Baggage Claim Area
    Baggage Claim Area
  • Control Tower
    Control Tower

References

  1. ^ WMKK - KL INTERNATIONAL/SEPANG at Department of Civil Aviation Malaysia
  2. ^ a b "History of KLIA". 1998.
  3. ^ "30 Busiest Airport in the World". ACI Asia Pacific. 28 July 2009.[dead link]
  4. ^ a b c "Phases of KLIA". 1998.
  5. ^ "First Flights of Kuala Lumpur International Airport". Department of Civil Aviation KLIA Branch. 1998.
  6. ^ "KLIA's opening marked with problems". Lim Kit Siang Media Release. July 1998.
  7. ^ "Passengers at Kuala Lumpur Airport up despite fewer airlines". Asian Economic News. 6 August 2001.
  8. ^ "MAHB sets May 2, 2014 as KLIA2 revised opening date - Business News - The Star". thestar.com.my. 19 June 2013. Retrieved 7 September 2013.
  9. ^ Check-In News, Analysis and Event. "Kuala Lumpur's StB vision". Retrieved 31 August 2010.
  10. ^ Chan Tien Hin. "AirAsia Has Record Drop on Loss, Analyst Downgrade." Bloomberg L.P.. 1 December 2008. Retrieved 27 September 2009.
  11. ^ "Location Map." MASkargo. Retrieved 22 February 2010. "Malaysia Airlines Cargo Sdn. Bhd. 1M, Zone C, Advanced Cargo Centre KLIA Free Commercial Zone, Southern Support Zone Kuala Lumpur International Airport 64000 Sepang Selangor, Malaysia "
  12. ^ "Contact Information." Malaysia Airports. Retrieved 23 May 2011. "Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad Malaysia Airports Corporate Office, Persiaran Korporat KLIA, 64000 KLIA, Sepang, Selangor."
  13. ^ "Contact." Malaysia Airlines. Retrieved on 31 October 2012. "MAS Golden Boutiques Sdn. Bhd. 1st Floor, MAS Flight Management Building 64000 Sepang, Kuala Lumpur International Airport Selangor, Malaysia"
  14. ^ "AAirAsia helps Kuala Lumpur towards 30 million; Singapore route soon to be fully liberalised". anna.aero. 10 October 2008.
  15. ^ "Passenger Movement At KLIA Up 7.7 Pct In January 2008". Bernama. Retrieved 18 March 2008. [dead link]
  16. ^ "KLIA Introduces Integrated Self Check In Kiosks for Benefits of Passengers". Air Transport News.
  17. ^ "Self Check In at KLIA". New Straits Times. Retrieved 21 August 2007. [dead link]
  18. ^ "KLIA partners with SITA to be the first fully integrated Airport in Asia". Retrieved 21 September 2005.
  19. ^ "KLIA retail space due to be optimized". The Star Business. Retrieved 13 March 2007.
  20. ^ "KLIA increase WiFi range". CAPA. Retrieved 19 February 2008.
  21. ^ "9 firms shortlisted for KLIA retail expansion project". NST. Retrieved 16 February 2008.
  22. ^ Chow how ban. "Work on permanent LCCT to start this year". The Star. Retrieved 3 April 2008.
  23. ^ a b Geetha Krishnan (9 December 2008). "LCCT international arrival hall ahead of schedule". The Star.
  24. ^ http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/klia2-at-mercy-of-contractors-opening-likely-delayed-again
  25. ^ All Airlines can now offer city check-in in KL Sentral[dead link]
  26. ^ KL Sentral to offer check out baggage service
  27. ^ http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20131118144716/Article/index_html
  28. ^ http://airlineroute.net/2014/01/01/mh-kbv-s14correction/
  29. ^ http://airlineroute.net/2013/12/30/od-amd-mar14//
  30. ^ http://indo-aviation.com/2013/12/03/malindo-air-kantongi-izin-terbang-ke-india/
  31. ^ L, J (17 January 2014). "Uzbekistan Airways Opens Reservation for New Singapore Service from April 2014". Airline Route. Retrieved 17 January 2014.
  32. ^ Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad KLIA Operational Statistics
  33. ^ a b "MAHB Annual Report 2012". http://www.malaysiaairports.com.my/. 28 March 2013. Retrieved 18 May 2013. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  34. ^ "Kuala Lumpur International". Kiat.net. Retrieved 19 April 2012.
  35. ^ http://www.klia.com.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11
  36. ^ http://www.journeymalaysia.com/ptaklia.htm
  37. ^ "KLIA to have a Theme Park". The Star. Retrieved 8 January 2001. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  38. ^ The Star. Once the expansion of LCCT is completed, it will be able to handle 15 million passengers per annum.Upgrade for LCCT next year. 8 November 2006
  39. ^ Proposal of new LCC Hub "New LCC Hub Proposed". The Star Malaysia. Retrieved 3 November 2007. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  40. ^ "LCCT expansion to begin next month". The Edge Daily. Archived from the original on 4 February 2008. Retrieved 1 February 2008.
  41. ^ "LCCT may become cargo hub when new terminal is up". The Star Online. Retrieved 1 February 2008.
  42. ^ "Fajarbaru wins RM124m KLIA job". Business Times. Retrieved 25 March 2008.
  43. ^ "New LCCT departure hall opens". The Star. 18 March 2009.
  44. ^ "Earth works at klia2 to cost RM773.38mil". Bernama via The Star. 21 March 2012. Retrieved 5 January 2013.
  45. ^ "klia2: MAHB to give revised date soon". Malaysia Chronicle. 17 June 2013. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
  46. ^ LEE, YEN MUN (5 January 2013). "Najib: klia2 will be completed by May". The Star. Retrieved 5 January 2013.
  47. ^ "KLIA2 at mercy of contractors, opening likely delayed again". 18 December 2013.
  48. ^ "klia2 Ready by April 2013". Retrieved 19 June 2013.
  49. ^ A. SAMY, FLORENCE (7 November 2012). "ERL extension on track to klia2". The Star. Retrieved 5 January 2013.
  50. ^ Jeeva Arulampalam (16 June 2010). "UEM-Bina Puri venture wins RM997m LCCT deal". Business Times.
  51. ^ a b "MAHB upgrade KLIA to take in A380". NST. Retrieved 16 August 2006. Cite error: The named reference "A380 Upgrade" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  52. ^ Aerobridge at KLIA Breakdown
  53. ^ Red faces over phantom stowaway[dead link]
  54. ^ "Robbers shoot six at KLIA, flee with RM3.5m". The Star. Retrieved 10 April 2008.
  55. ^ Rashita A. Hamid and M. Kumar (10 January 2009). "Small fire shuts down LCCT for two hours". The Star.

Further reading

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