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Senai Airport

About the Airport

Senai Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
Senai International Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia. Located in strategic proximity to the border with Singapore, it serves as an ideal starting point for those planning to visit the famous Legoland or explore the unique cultural heritage of the Sultanate of Johor. It is a modern and dynamically developing hub that combines comfort and efficiency, sparing travellers from the bustle of capital city terminals and offering a cosy atmosphere to begin a great adventure.
IATA Code JHB
ICAO Code WMKJ
City Johor Bahru
Distance to Centre 32 km
Status International
Annual Passengers Over 3.3 million
Schedule Available online

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Aero Mall: A unique feature of Senai is the presence of a fully-fledged shopping centre integrated directly into the terminal. This is the first standalone airport in Malaysia with such a concept, where passengers and locals can enjoy shopping and diverse cuisine even before passing through security control.

Strategic Location: The airport is located just an hour's drive from Singapore, making it an excellent budget-friendly alternative to flights via Changi. Direct connections to major highways allow for quick access to popular tourist destinations, such as Desaru Coast resort and theme parks.

Speed and Convenience: Thanks to the compact size of the terminal, navigation here is intuitive, and queues for check-in and security screening generally move much faster than in large capital hubs. This allows you to save precious holiday time and spend it productively, rather than waiting.

Contact Information

Below you will find useful contact details for Senai International Airport (JHB), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential queries.

  • Official Website: www.senaiairport.com
  • Information Desk Phone: +607-599 4500
  • Address: Senai International Airport, 81250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
  • Email for General Enquiries: enquiry@senaiairport.com
  • Social Media: Follow airport updates and news on the official pages on Facebook and Instagram.
  • Lost Luggage Information: In the event of lost luggage, you should first contact your airline's representative office at the airport. The airport passenger support staff can also provide general information.
  • Customer Service Contacts: For assistance or consultation, you may use the main airport telephone number or email address.

How to Get to the Airport

There are several ways to get to Senai Airport (JHB), located approximately 30 kilometres from the city centre of Johor Bahru. The choice of the best option depends on your budget, the amount of luggage, and the time you have available. The airport is a key transport hub for the southern part of Malaysia, so transport connections to it are well-established.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. Specialised shuttle buses by Causeway Link (route AA1) operate between the airport and the city's main transport hub, JB Sentral. The journey usually takes about 45 minutes, but may last longer during peak hours. This is an excellent choice for solo travellers and those looking to save money.

Taxis and Transfers offer significantly more comfort and speed. A journey by taxi or via a ride-hailing app (such as Grab) from the city centre to the airport will take about 30 minutes excluding traffic. This is an ideal option if you are travelling with family, a large amount of luggage, or simply value convenience. For maximum peace of mind, you can book a private transfer in advance, which will collect you directly from your hotel at the appointed time.

For those who prefer complete freedom of movement, car rental is a good solution. Several major car rental companies operate counters at Senai Airport. If you are travelling to the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, convenient parking with zones for short-term and long-term stays at reasonable rates is at your service.

In general, when planning your trip, allow at least an hour for the journey to Senai Airport to avoid rushing. Due to its strategic location, this airport is often used as a convenient point for domestic flights within Malaysia for travellers arriving from neighbouring Singapore, making it a convenient alternative to Changi Airport for certain routes.

Terminals and Layout

Senai International Airport (JHB) is distinguished by a well-thought-out and passenger-friendly structure. The airport operates one main terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. This significantly simplifies navigation and eliminates the need to move between different buildings, making the journey calmer and more predictable.

The terminal has two main levels. The Ground Floor is the arrivals and check-in zone. Airline counters, baggage reclaim, and customs control are located here. Upon exiting into the public area, passengers will find car rental offices, taxi and bus counters, as well as several cafés. The First Floor is entirely dedicated to the departures zone. Ascending here, passengers pass through security control, and for international flights, passport control. They then enter a spacious departure lounge with boarding gates, Duty Free shops, restaurants, and business lounges.

Thanks to the airport's compactness and logical layout, completing all pre-flight procedures usually does not take much time. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure, and for international flights, 2–3 hours prior. Even during peak hours, queues for check-in and screening move quite quickly, which is one of the advantages of Senai Airport.

Navigation through the terminal is intuitive. All signs are in Malay and English and are clearly visible. Since all functional zones — from check-in to boarding gates — are in one building, getting lost here is practically impossible. Simply follow the signs for "Departures" or "Arrivals", and you will easily find the sector you need.

Airport History

Senai International Airport, located near the city of Johor Bahru, has a rich and dynamic history closely tied to the economic growth of the region. The airport was officially opened in 1974. Its primary task was to serve the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia, which at that time was actively developing as an industrial and economic centre.

A key moment in the airport's history was 1999, when it was privatised and transferred under the management of Senai Airport Terminal Services Sdn Bhd (SATS). This was a revolutionary step for the country's aviation industry, as Senai became the first private airport in Malaysia. This transition provided a powerful impulse for its modernisation and commercial development, transforming it from an ordinary regional airport into a significant transport hub.

In subsequent years, Senai Airport underwent significant transformations. One of the most important achievements was the reconstruction and extension of the runway to 3800 metres. This allowed it to accommodate the world's largest passenger and cargo aircraft, including the giant Airbus A380. In parallel, work was carried out to expand the passenger terminal and cargo complex, which substantially increased capacity and made the airport attractive to international carriers.

Today, Senai Airport is known not only as an important logistics centre but also as one of the key bases for budget airlines, particularly AirAsia. An interesting fact: the airport owes its name to a local tree, the "Senai". Its strategic location within the Iskandar Malaysia economic corridor continues to contribute to its growth, making it a vital element of the transport infrastructure for the entire region.

Services and Amenities

Senai Airport offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find diverse dining spots: from cafés offering local Malaysian cuisine to popular international fast-food chains. For those wishing to dedicate time to shopping, Duty Free shops, souvenir stalls, as well as outlets selling books and travel goods are open. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport territory, and special stations are provided for charging gadgets.

For financial matters, the airport features bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange bureaus where you can exchange money upon arrival or before departure. In case of unforeseen situations or feeling unwell, there is a medical centre in the terminal ready to provide first aid.

Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can utilise the services of the VIP Lounge. Here you can relax in a quiet atmosphere, have a snack, and use business facilities. For travellers with small children, mother and child rooms are equipped. The airport has also taken care of passengers with reduced mobility: the terminal is equipped with ramps, special restrooms, and an escort service is provided upon prior request.

If you have a long layover or an early flight, a hotel is located right within the airport building, which is very convenient. For business travellers, conference rooms and business centres are available where one can hold a meeting or work in silence. These services make Senai Airport convenient not only for tourists but also for those travelling for work.

Where to Eat

Senai Airport in Johor Bahru offers passengers diverse dining options capable of satisfying any taste and budget. Regardless of whether you are looking for a quick snack before departure or a full meal, here you will find both establishments serving local cuisine and cafés from world-famous chains. Most catering outlets are concentrated in the public zone (landside), so it is better to eat before passing through security control.

For those wishing to experience the gastronomic traditions of Malaysia, the airport provides an excellent opportunity. We recommend visiting the `OldTown White Coffee` café, which is famous for its aromatic "white" coffee, traditional toast with "kaya" coconut jam, and hearty dishes such as Nasi Lemak. This is a wonderful place to enjoy authentic flavours in a comfortable setting. Other local eateries offer various rice and noodle dishes.

In the public zone of the airport (landside), there is a main food court where you can find both local and international dishes at reasonable prices. Also located here are popular fast-food chains such as `KFC` and `Marrybrown`, which are perfect for a quick and filling lunch. For lovers of coffee and pastries, there is `Starbucks` and other coffee shops offering a familiar range of beverages and desserts.

After passing security control (airside), in the departure zone, the choice of establishments becomes more limited but sufficient for a snack before boarding the flight. Here you will find several small cafés and kiosks where you can buy sandwiches, pastries, snacks, and drinks. Prices in this zone are typically slightly higher.

Most establishments in the airport hold a `Halal` certificate, which is the standard for Malaysia. Vegetarian options are also available in many places, especially in the food courts, where you can request a dish be prepared without meat. Regarding opening hours, the main restaurants and cafés are open throughout the day and evening, adjusting to the flight schedule, while some fast-food outlets may operate around the clock.

Travel Tips

To ensure your journey through Senai Airport in the city of Johor Bahru goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our tips. Senai Airport (JHB) is modern and fairly compact, but as with any other transport hub, it is better to have a buffer of time. We recommend arriving 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international ones. This time will be enough to go through all formalities without rushing, have a coffee, and find your boarding gate.

To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by almost all airlines flying from Senai. This will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop-off counter or, if you are travelling light, directly to security screening. While passing through security control, have your passport and boarding pass ready. Laptops, tablets, and liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be taken out of your bag in advance and placed in a separate tray.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: a window seat will offer beautiful views during take-off and landing, while an aisle seat offers more legroom and the ability to stand up without disturbing neighbours. Regarding hand luggage, remember the standard rules: sharp objects and flammable substances are prohibited. All power banks and spare lithium batteries must be carried only in hand luggage, and not in checked baggage.

If you have a layover in Johor Bahru, check with your airline whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Passengers on international flights planning to leave the transit zone should check the visa requirements of Malaysia in advance. When passing through customs control, be ready to declare goods exceeding duty-free limits. The import of narcotics, pornographic materials, and certain other categories of goods is prohibited in the country, so familiarise yourself with customs regulations beforehand.

To save money, bring an empty reusable water bottle with you — after security screening, it can be filled at drinking fountains. Prices for food and drinks in the public zone of the airport are usually lower than in the sterile zone after security control. You can also save money by booking a transfer from the airport online in advance.

In the event of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information on the new departure time and possible compensation (vouchers for food or drinks). Senai Airport has free Wi-Fi, numerous cafés, and shops that will help pass the waiting time. For greater comfort, you can use the services of the business lounge for an additional fee.

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