Kerteh Airport

Kerteh Airport (KTE), located in the town of the same name in the state of Terengganu, is a unique aviation hub in Malaysia. Unlike most airports in the country, it is not owned by a state company but by the oil giant Petronas. Originally built for the needs of the oil and gas industry, it serves as a gateway for employees travelling to offshore platforms in the South China Sea. Despite its narrow specialisation, the airport also serves commercial flights, connecting this industrial region with other parts of the country.

A key feature of Kerteh Airport is its role as a major logistics centre for Malaysia's energy sector. The main traffic here consists of helicopters transporting personnel to offshore drilling rigs. For commercial flight passengers, the airport offers basic amenities, including taxi services and a small restaurant. It is important to note that public transport does not serve the airport, so to travel to or from the city, one should use a taxi or rent a car. Despite its compact size, the runway is capable of accommodating Boeing 737 class aircraft, highlighting the strategic importance of this facility.

It is important to understand that Kerteh Airport (KTE) is a private airfield that mainly serves charter flights for the oil and gas industry, specifically for Petronas. Consequently, the airport does not provide a standard range of public services, and its contact information for the general public is limited. For most enquiries, you should contact the airline or the company organising your flight directly.

• Official Airport Website: Kerteh Airport does not have a separate official website for passengers. Management is carried out by Senai Airport Terminal Services Sdn Bhd (SATS).
• Help Desk Phone: +60 9-826 1313. Please note that this is a direct airport number, not a standard passenger information service.
• Airport Address: Lapangan Terbang Kerteh, 24300 Kerteh, Terengganu, Malaysia.
• Airport Email and Social Media: Public email addresses and official social media pages for passengers are unavailable due to the private status of the airport.
• Lost Luggage and Passenger Support Contacts: For all questions related to your flight, including check-in, schedules, and lost luggage, you must apply directly to the representatives of the airline operating your flight. Specialised support services for passengers are not provided at the airport.

Getting to Kerteh Airport (KTE), located in close proximity to the town of the same name, is quite simple. Since the airport is just a few kilometres from the centre of Kerteh, the journey will not take much time, and the choice of transport depends on your preferences and budget.

Taxi and Transfer. The most convenient and fastest way to get to the airport is by taxi. A trip from the city centre takes just 10–15 minutes. In Malaysia, ride-hailing apps like Grab are popular, allowing you to know the cost in advance. The estimated price of a trip via the app will be 10–20 Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), though this may vary depending on demand and the time of day. This option is particularly convenient if you are travelling with luggage.

Public Transport. Public transport options connecting the city to the airport may be limited. Specialised shuttle buses in small towns like Kerteh are rare. You can try using local bus routes, but they may run irregularly and do not always stop right at the terminal. For convenience and to save time, tourists are most often recommended to use a taxi.

Car Rental. If you plan to explore the coast or neighbouring cities, car rental is an excellent solution. You can rent a car in the city itself or arrange for it to be delivered to the airport. This will give you maximum freedom of movement. The drive to the airport in a rental car will also take no more than 15 minutes. Parking is available at Kerteh Airport where you can leave your vehicle. We recommend checking car rental costs and current parking rates directly with service providers.

Alternative Airports. If there are no direct flights to Kerteh from your city, consider flying to larger neighbouring airports. The nearest ones are Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport (KUA) in Kuantan and Sultan Mahmud Airport (TGG) in Kuala Terengganu. From there, you can reach Kerteh by intercity bus or taxi; the journey will take approximately 1.5–2 hours.

Kerteh Airport (KTE) is a small regional airport characterised by its compactness and simple structure. It consists of one passenger terminal serving all domestic flights. The primary purpose of the airport is to provide transport connections for oil and gas industry employees working in this region of Malaysia, so there is no large flow of tourists here.

The terminal layout is extremely simple and intuitive. Departure and arrival zones are located in the same building a short distance from each other. Navigation will cause no difficulties: you will immediately see the check-in counters, the boarding gate, and the baggage claim area. Thanks to its compact size, getting lost here is practically impossible, and moving through the terminal takes only a few minutes. Since there is only one terminal, there are no transfers between terminals.

One of the main features of Kerteh Airport is the rapid completion of all pre-flight formalities. Due to the small number of flights and passengers, check-in and security screening are conducted very efficiently. Typically, the entire process from entering the building to boarding takes no more than 20–30 minutes. This makes travelling through Kerteh maximally comfortable and eliminates the long waits typical of major airports.

No special recommendations are needed for navigation at Kerteh Airport—simply follow the few signs, and you will easily find everything you need. Despite the quick service, it is worth arriving at the airport with a reasonable time margin, about an hour before departure. Please note that the terminal infrastructure is quite modest: there are basic amenities such as a waiting lounge and washrooms, but the choice of cafes or shops is limited.

The history of Kerteh Airport (KTE) is inextricably linked with the development of the oil and gas industry in Malaysia. Unlike most civil airports, it was built not to serve tourist flows, but as a strategic facility for the needs of the national oil company Petronas. Its foundation and development were dictated by the need to ensure fast and safe transportation of personnel and equipment to offshore oil platforms in the South China Sea.

The airport was officially opened in 1985, during a period of active development of major oil and gas fields in the state of Terengganu. From the very beginning, its main task was serving helicopter flights to drilling rigs. Essentially, the entire infrastructure was designed and built to support logistical operations in the energy sector. Its development proceeded in parallel with the growth of production, and the airport was modernised in accordance with the growing needs of Petronas.

Significant historical events for Kerteh Airport are not passenger traffic records or the opening of new international routes, but rather important stages in the development of offshore fields. Each new oil platform launched in the region increased the load and significance of this transport hub. Major renovations were aimed at improving runways for charter aircraft transporting specialists and expanding helicopter pads.

An interesting fact from the airport's history lies in its unique status. Although it is managed by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, like many other airports in the country, its activity is almost entirely focused on corporate transport. It is one of the busiest helicopter hubs in Southeast Asia, yet for the ordinary tourist, it remains practically "invisible," fulfilling its critically important but highly specialised mission.

Kerteh Airport (KTE) is a small and functional air terminal that mainly serves corporate flights for the oil and gas industry. Given its compact size and specificity, the range of passenger services is focused on ensuring basic comfort before departure or immediately upon arrival. There is no such variety of services here as in large international hubs, but everything necessary for a short stay is available.

To satisfy hunger or wait for a flight with a cup of coffee, a small cafe or snack bar usually operates in the airport, where you can purchase beverages and light snacks. The choice of dining establishments and shops is limited, so one should not count on full-scale shopping or a gastronomic tour. Passengers are recommended to have everything they need with them or to make purchases in the city.

A general waiting hall is equipped in the terminal building. regarding modern amenities, passengers usually have access to free Wi-Fi, and there are stations for charging electronic devices. For business travellers arriving on corporate flights, separate VIP zones may be provided, although public business lounges are most often absent.

Specialised services, such as bank branches or currency exchange points, are likely not represented at Kerteh Airport. Financial matters are best settled in advance in the city, where there are ATMs and bank offices. Medical assistance is limited to a first aid station. Families with children should note that there are no special play areas here, but there may be mother and child rooms.

The airport is equipped with basic amenities for passengers with disabilities, including ramps and specially equipped washrooms, to ensure comfortable movement through the terminal. There are no hotels directly on the airport territory, but many accommodation options can be found in the city of Kerteh itself, located a few minutes' drive away.

Kerteh Airport (KTE) is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest, but sufficient for a snack before departure. All cafes and kiosks are located in the single terminal, in the public zone before security control, making them accessible to both departing and arriving passengers.

Typically, several small cafes operate in the airport, offering simple and filling dishes. Here you can get acquainted with the basics of local cuisine. We recommend trying Nasi Lemak (rice cooked in coconut milk with various accompaniments) or local sweets known as kuih-muih. In addition to traditional Malaysian dishes, standard options such as sandwiches, pastries, tea, coffee, and soft drinks are always on the menu.

For travellers with special dietary needs, it is important to know that practically all food here is Halal. Finding vegetarian dishes is possible, but the selection will likely be limited to simple snacks or rice with vegetables. Specialised vegan or gluten-free options are rare, so it is better to take care of food in advance. Prices in local cafes are quite moderate, although slightly higher than in the city. Opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule and may be limited.

If you have little time, local pies or fresh pastries will be an ideal option for a quick snack. For a more substantial lunch, you can order a portion of hot rice or noodles. However, if you prefer variety and have time, the best solution would be to eat at one of the numerous restaurants in Kerteh city before arriving at the airport.

When planning a trip through the airport of Kerteh city in Malaysia, use these tips to make your journey as comfortable as possible and avoid unforeseen situations.

Arrival Time at the Airport. Kerteh Airport serves primarily domestic flights. It is recommended to arrive 1.5-2 hours before the departure time. This time buffer will be sufficient to calmly complete check-in and pre-flight screening without rushing.

Check-in and Security. As this is a small regional airport, queues here are usually minimal. Check-in procedures and security controls proceed quite quickly. To speed up the process, prepare your passport or ID and boarding pass in advance (in electronic or printed form).

Seat Selection on the Plane. If the airline offers the option to select a seat, consider your preferences. Window seats will offer you beautiful views of the South China Sea coast during take-off and landing. Aisle seats are convenient if you want the ability to stand up freely and be among the first to exit the aircraft.

Hand Luggage Rules. Standard international rules apply here as well: liquids and gels in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp, piercing objects and flammable substances are prohibited in hand luggage. Be sure to check your airline's baggage allowance to avoid extra charges.

Transfer Passengers. Kerteh is rarely used as a transit hub. Most flights from here are direct. If you do have a transfer planned, thanks to the compact size of the terminal, you will easily and quickly find the necessary boarding gate.

Customs Control. Since the airport is focused on domestic transport, customs control is undergone only by passengers of very rare international charter flights. In this case, standard rules for importing goods into Malaysia apply.

Saving Time and Money. The best way to save time is to complete online check-in for your flight. To save money, book tickets in advance and consider travelling light with only hand luggage. Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be inflated, so bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after security.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay. In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative immediately. They will provide current information and explain your rights to receive beverages, meals, or hotel accommodation depending on the duration of the delay. Leisure opportunities at the airport are limited, so be prepared to wait in the departure lounge.