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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GPS Code: WMKC
Local Code: Not available
Location: 6.16685° N, 102.292999° E
Continent: Asia
Type: Medium Airport
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
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.
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Airport Routes
Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR) offers 9 flight routes operated by 4 airlines. Major carriers include AirAsia, Malindo Air, Firefly and others. Popular destinations from Kota Baharu include Kuala Lumpur Int'l, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, Kuching Int'l, Kota Kinabalu Int'l and Senai Int'l (Sultan Ismail Int'l).
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Sultan Ismail Petra AirportAirlines 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 |
Malaysia Airlines
MAS
/ MH
|
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 |
Ground Transportation
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.