Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR)

Kota Baharu, MY 🇲🇾 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

WMKC

IATA

KBR

Elevation

16 ft

Region

MY-03

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: WMKC

Local Code: Not available

Location: 6.16685° N, 102.292999° E

Continent: AS

Type: Medium Airport

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Recent traveler sentiment at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (WMKC (KBR)) in Kota Bharu, MY, is overwhelmingly positive, largely due to the opening of a new terminal in May 2024. Travelers are reporting high satisfaction with the upgraded facilities and efficient services, leading to an overall positive experience. The airport is rated exceptionally well, with an average score of 8.5/10 and 4.6/5 from recent reviews.

What Travelers Love
  • New, Modern Terminal: A new terminal, opened in May 2024, has significantly enhanced the passenger experience with 11 gates (up from 3) and can accommodate up to 1.5 million passengers in its first phase, with a projected 4 million upon full completion of phase two by January 2025.
  • Exceptional Service and Cleanliness: Travelers consistently highlight the top-notch service from staff and the hygienic cleanliness of the newly opened terminal.
  • Efficient Security and Immigration: Wait times are notably low, with an average of 11 minutes for security checkpoints and 9 minutes for passport control/immigration, contributing to a smooth travel experience.
  • Improved Facilities and Amenities: The terminal offers a variety of essential facilities, including shops for souvenirs and local crafts, and diverse restaurants and cafes like Nasken Coffee. The new terminal also features over 20 airline counters and a cashless operating system.
  • Convenient Transportation & Parking: There are various reliable transportation options available, including readily accessible taxis, ride-hailing services (Grab), car rentals, and an affordable public bus service (Cityliner). The airport also offers secure short-term, long-term, and express parking with shuttle services and competitive rates.
Common Complaints
  • Average WiFi and Lounge Services: While overall facilities are good, some reviews indicate that the WiFi (64%) and lounge (64%) services are rated slightly lower compared to other aspects of the airport, suggesting potential areas for improvement.
  • Limited Older Amenities: Prior to the May 2024 upgrade, the older facilities were considered small and less modern, but this complaint is now largely addressed with the new terminal.
  • Potential for Future Congestion: Although currently experiencing low traffic, the airport's busiest periods typically occur during July, August, and December, which could lead to increased wait times.

Overall, Sultan Ismail Petra Airport has undergone significant positive transformations with its new terminal, offering a comfortable, clean, and efficient experience for travelers. The ongoing upgrade projects, including a runway extension for international flights, signal a bright future for this regional hub.

Generated False weeks ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
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Top Airlines

Operating at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
AirAsia
AXM / AK
4 23 4 Nov 20, 2025
Malindo Air
MXD / OD
2 13 2 Nov 20, 2025
Firefly
FFM / FY
2 8 2 Nov 20, 2025
1 4 1 Jul 29, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
10/28 7874 ft 148 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
GND KOTA BHARU GND 121.6 MHz
TWR KOTA BHARU TWR 122.5 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
KB Kota Bharu NDB 240 kHz
VKB Kota Bharu VOR-DME 112300 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Airport taxis operate on a fixed-price coupon system. Passengers can purchase a coupon from the official taxi counter located in the arrivals hall before proceeding to the taxi stand. Ride-hailing services like Grab are also widely available and offer a popular alternative for transport to and from the airport.

Rental Cars

Several car rental companies have counters inside the airport's arrivals hall. Options include both local and international providers such as Hertz, Avis, and various local agencies. It is highly recommended to book a vehicle in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and secure better rates.

Public Transportation

There are no direct public bus or train services operating from Sultan Ismail Petra Airport. To connect to the local public bus network, travelers must first take a taxi or a ride-hailing service to the main bus terminal (Terminal Bas Kota Bharu) located in the city center, approximately 9 kilometers away.

Nearby Airports

Narathiwat Airport
NAW • VTSC
NoneTH
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~72 km away
Sultan Mahmud Airport
TGG • WMKN
Kuala Terengganu, MY
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~125 km away
Narathiwat Airport
NAW • VTSC
NoneTH
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~72 km away
Sultan Mahmud Airport
TGG • WMKN
Kuala Terengganu, MY
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~125 km away
Betong International Airport
BTZ • BTZ
Betong, TH
Medium Airport
~133 km away
Pattani Airport
PAN • VTSK
NoneTH
Medium Airport
~143 km away
Gong Kedak Airport
WMGK
NoneMY
Small Airport
~46 km away
Kuala Kerai Airport
WMAL
Kuala Kerai, MY
Small Airport
~70 km away
LTS Pulau Redang Airport
RDN • WMPR
Redang, MY
Small Airport
~91 km away
Old Betong Airport
TH-0022
Betong, TH
Small Airport
~133 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.