Ipoh Airport

Why this airport is convenient:

• Instant access to the city: The airport is located just 6 km from the centre of Ipoh. A taxi ride or a trip via the Grab app will take no more than 10–15 minutes, which is incredibly convenient for tourists wishing to immerse themselves in sightseeing immediately.
• Speed and comfort: Thanks to the terminal's small size, navigation here is intuitive. Queues at passport control and baggage claim are a rare phenomenon, so you can leave the airport within 20 minutes of landing.
• Scenic location: The airport is surrounded by famous karst mountains. This is an excellent spot for your first photos against the backdrop of the unique landscape of Perak state immediately after disembarking.
• Convenient connections: The airport serves flights from popular low-cost carriers (such as Scoot and AirAsia), linking Ipoh via direct routes with Singapore and Johor Bahru, making it easy to plan a combined trip across Southeast Asia.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in the city of Ipoh.

• Official Website: www.malaysiaairports.com.my
• Information Service Phone: +605 313 1313
• Address: Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, Jalan Lapangan Terbang, 31350 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
• Email: care@malaysiaairports.com.my (General Malaysia Airports support)
• Social Media: The airport is managed by Malaysia Airports. You can follow news on their pages on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost luggage or personal items, please contact your airline representative first. You can also contact the airport information service at +605 313 1313.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general inquiries and assistance, please call +605 313 1313 or email care@malaysiaairports.com.my.

Getting to Sultan Azlan Shah Airport (IPH), serving the city of Ipoh, is quite simple due to its close proximity to the centre — only about 6 kilometres. This makes the trip fast and inexpensive, regardless of the chosen mode of transport. When planning your journey through Malaysia, you will appreciate the convenience of this compact airport.

The most budget-friendly way to get to the airport is by public bus. The local bus company, Perak Transit, operates routes passing near the airport. Look for bus No. 66 (Medan Kidd – RTC Gopeng route), which stops near the terminal. The trip from the Medan Kidd central bus station will take approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic, and the ticket cost is just a few local ringgits. This option is ideal for budget-conscious travellers with light luggage.

The most popular and convenient option is taxi or ride-hailing services. You can use an official fixed-price taxi via coupons sold at the counter in the arrival hall, or hail a car in the city (insist on using the meter). An even more convenient and often cheaper solution would be apps like Grab (similar to Uber), which are widely used in Malaysia. The ride from Ipoh centre to the airport takes just 10-15 minutes, and the cost is usually between 15 to 25 ringgits. This is the best choice for those who value comfort, are travelling with children, or carrying a lot of luggage.

If you plan to explore the surroundings of Ipoh, such as the Cameron Highlands, car rental would be an excellent solution. There are representatives of several rental companies at the airport. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, parking is available. It is located directly in front of the terminal building and offers both short-term and long-term parking at reasonable rates.

Ipoh Airport, also known as Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, is a compact and convenient aviation hub. Its main feature is having just one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and some international flights. Thanks to this, navigating the airport is very easy, and the risk of getting lost or missing a flight is minimal.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. The building is single-storey, and all key zones are located within walking distance of each other. Immediately upon entering, you find yourself in the general hall where airline check-in counters are located. Arrival and departure zones are clearly separated and marked with signs. The departure hall with boarding gates is located after the security screening zone, while the arrival zone with baggage claim belts is in another part of the building. There are no transfers between terminals, as all operations are concentrated in one place.

Completing all pre-flight formalities at Ipoh Airport usually takes significantly less time than in major international hubs. On average, check-in and security screening take about 20-30 minutes depending on the load. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — 1.5-2 hours before departure, to check in luggage and go through all procedures without rushing.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the clear and easy-to-understand signs in English and Malay. The entire path from the building entrance to the gate is intuitive. Thanks to the airport's compact size, you won't have to cover long distances, making it particularly convenient for travellers with children or heavy luggage.

The history of Ipoh Airport, officially known as Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, dates back long before the appearance of modern passenger terminals. Initially, it was a small airfield built by the British for the needs of the region's booming tin industry and plantations. During World War II, the runway held strategic importance and was used by both the British Royal Air Force and Japanese forces following their invasion of Malaysia.

After the war, the airfield was converted for civil use but remained a rather modest facility for decades. It served primarily domestic flights operated by small turboprop aircraft, connecting Ipoh with other cities in the country. Its infrastructure was limited, preventing it from accommodating larger aircraft and developing international connections.

A key turning point in the airport's history occurred in the early 2010s when a massive modernisation project began. During the reconstruction, completed around 2014, the runway was extended from 1,798 to 2,000 metres, and a new, more spacious, and modern passenger terminal was built. These changes allowed the airport to accommodate popular medium-haul aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.

This modernisation was a true breakthrough. Soon after the works were completed, budget airlines such as AirAsia and Malindo Air launched new flights, including long-awaited international routes to Singapore and Medan (Indonesia). This event breathed new life into the airport, significantly increasing passenger traffic and making Ipoh and the entire state of Perak more accessible to tourists from around the world. The airport received its current name in honour of Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah, the ninth King of Malaysia and Sultan of the state of Perak, underscoring its importance to the region.

Ipoh Airport (IPH), also known as Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, is a compact and functional aviation hub offering passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait before their flight. Although the airport is not large in size, conditions have been created here for the convenience of travellers.

Inside the terminal, you will find several cafés and eateries where you can have a snack before departure, drink coffee, or buy light snacks. The selection of establishments is small but sufficient to satisfy basic needs. There are also small shops offering essential items, souvenirs, and press. For those who value enhanced comfort, a small business lounge is usually available, where you can relax in a quieter atmosphere.

For passenger convenience, free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the terminal. Charging stations for electronic devices can also be found in the waiting hall. Basic financial services are available at the airport: there are ATMs and a currency exchange point, which is particularly convenient for international tourists. If necessary, you can visit the medical post for first aid.

The airport is equipped for passengers with special needs: ramps and specially equipped toilets are available. For travellers with small children, mother and child rooms are provided. Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, many accommodation options can be found in the city of Ipoh, just a few minutes' drive away. Specialised conference halls and business centres are absent at the airport, as it is primarily oriented towards passenger transport.

Ipoh Airport (IPH) is a small regional air terminal, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest. Most cafés and kiosks are located in the public hall before security control (landside), so it is best to have a snack there. After security screening (airside), the selection is typically very limited.

The main spots for a bite to eat are small cafés in the "kopitiam" style — traditional Malaysian coffee shops. Here you can experience the city's gastronomic symbol by ordering the famous Ipoh white coffee. It is usually served with traditional snacks: toast with "kaya" coconut jam, half-boiled eggs, or sandwiches. For a more substantial meal, the menu often includes simple but delicious local dishes, such as nasi lemak (rice with coconut milk and various accompaniments) or laksa (spicy noodle soup).

If time is limited, you can pop into a small shop or kiosk selling packaged snacks, crisps, pastries, and soft drinks. This is the fastest and most convenient option for those rushing for a flight. Prices at the airport are moderate, though slightly higher than in Ipoh itself. Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule — from early morning until the last plane departs.

Regarding dietary restrictions, almost all establishments in airports in Malaysia offer products that carry a Halal certificate. Finding specialised vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes can be difficult, so it is recommended to check the ingredients with café staff or choose packaged products with labelling. For a full gastronomic experience, it is better to dine at one of the city's numerous restaurants before travelling to the airport.

To ensure your journey through Ipoh Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. Planning ahead will help avoid stress and save time for more pleasant activities, such as a cup of coffee before departure.

Arrival time and check-in. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 2.5-3 hours before an international one. This will give you enough time for all procedures. To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website and save the boarding pass on your phone. If you are travelling only with hand luggage, this allows you to head straight to security.

Hand luggage and security. Remember standard safety rules: all liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. During screening, be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics from your bag. To speed up the process, remove your belt, watch, and metal items in advance.

Seat selection and transfers. If the airline permits, choose your seat when booking. Window seats offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while aisle seats provide more freedom of movement. For passengers connecting in Ipoh, it is important to check with the carrier in advance whether your luggage will be checked through automatically to the final destination or if you need to collect and re-check it.

Customs control and savings. Arriving in Malaysia, you will need to pass through customs control. Declare goods if their value exceeds established limits. To save money, bring an empty water bottle and fill it after passing security, and pre-book your transfer from the airport to the city, as prices on the spot may be higher.

In case of flight delay. If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for information on the flight status and your rights to meals or accommodation. There are cafés and shops in the airport to help pass the waiting time. Check your travel insurance conditions — it may cover expenses related to long delays.