Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport

Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport is more than just a runway on the east coast of Malaysia. This air hub, named after the country's ninth king, serves as the key gateway to the state of Pahang, offering travellers access to tropical rainforests and the famous beaches of the South China Sea. The airport has a dual purpose: it serves both civilian flights and functions as a base for the Royal Malaysian Air Force. Renovated in 1992, today it stands as a modern and functional terminal, ready to welcome guests from all over the world.

Despite its modest size, the airport in Kuantan possesses everything necessary for a comfortable start and end to your journey. The terminal is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights, although it does not feature aerobridges — passengers walk to the terminal building, which adds a certain charm to the arrival experience. Inside, you will find check-in counters, waiting lounges, shops where you can purchase souvenirs and local batik, as well as several cafes. For the convenience of passengers, taxi services and car rentals are available, allowing easy access to the city centre or nearby resorts such as Cherating.

The main advantage of the airport is its strategic location. It serves as a starting point for exploring the east coast of Malaysia, known for its natural beauty. From here, it is easy to reach Taman Negara National Park or set off for the paradisiacal Tioman Island. Although passenger traffic here is not comparable to giants like Kuala Lumpur Airport, it is capable of serving up to a million people a year, which speaks to its importance for regional tourism and the economy.

For the most accurate information, trip planning, or resolving any issues, you can use the official contact details of Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport. We recommend verifying details before your trip, as they are subject to change.

• Official Website: On the Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport page on the Malaysia Airports operator portal, you will find the current schedule, information about services, and news.
• Information Desk Phone: +609-531 3000. You can call this number to clarify information about flights and airport services.
• Airport Address: Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport, 25150 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.
• Email: For general enquiries, you can use the central address of the operator Malaysia Airports: care@malaysiaairports.com.my.
• Social Media: Operational updates and news are published on the official social media pages of the operator Malaysia Airports (Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram) under the handle @malaysiaairports.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, you should first contact your airline's representative at the airport. regarding items left in the terminal, you can contact the airport information desk.
• Customer Support Contacts: For consultations and passenger assistance, the main enquiry number is used: +609-531 3000.

Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport (KUA) is located approximately 15 kilometres west of the city centre of Kuantan, the capital of the state of Pahang in Malaysia. You can get to or from the airport in several ways, each having its own advantages depending on your budget, time, and preferences.

Public Transport

The most budget-friendly way to get to the airport is to use the public bus. The company Rapid Kuantan operates route No. 303, which connects the airport with the central bus station Hentian Bandar in Kuantan. The journey takes about 40-50 minutes depending on traffic. This is an excellent option for travellers with light luggage, however, it is worth checking the schedule in advance, as intervals between buses can be long. There is no direct train or metro connection to the airport.

Taxi and Transfer

A taxi is the most convenient and fastest way to reach the airport. A trip from the centre of Kuantan will take approximately 20-30 minutes. You can use the official airport taxi services with counters in the arrival hall or book a car through popular ride-hailing apps in Malaysia, such as Grab. The cost of the trip will be moderate, though significantly higher than the bus. For greater comfort and a fixed price, you can pre-book a private transfer, which is especially convenient for families and tourists with a large amount of luggage.

Car Rental

If you plan to actively travel around the state of Pahang, renting a car would be the ideal solution. Offices of several local and international rental companies are present at Kuantan Airport. Having your own transport will give you complete freedom of movement. The road from the city centre to the airport is well signposted and will not cause difficulties. It is recommended to book a car online in advance to secure more favourable rates.

Airport Parking

For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, parking is provided. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking. Parking rates are quite affordable, making this option convenient if you are seeing someone off or leaving your car for the duration of your trip.

Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport (KUA) is a modern and compact airport serving the city of Kuantan and the state of Pahang. Its structure is simple and intuitive, making a stay here comfortable even for those arriving for the first time.

Structure and Terminals

The airport consists of one main terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, you will not have to worry about complex transfers between different buildings — all processes from check-in to boarding take place in one location. The terminal building is well-organised, and navigation poses no difficulties.

Departure and Arrival Zones

Inside the terminal, the departure and arrival zones are clearly separated. The departure hall includes airline check-in counters, a security screening area, and a comfortable waiting lounge with several gates. The arrival hall is equipped with baggage claim belts and customs control counters. The airport layout is linear and simple: after entering the building, you immediately find yourself at the check-in counters, and after passing control — in the departure zone.

Procedures and Time

Due to the small size of the airport, passing through all pre-flight formalities usually takes little time. Check-in and security screening proceed quite quickly. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight departure and 2–2.5 hours before an international one, to complete all procedures without rushing.

Navigation Tips

Navigation at Kuantan Airport is extremely simple. There are signs in Malay and English everywhere. The airport staff are friendly and always ready to help. Since all main zones — check-in, security, waiting lounges, and boarding gates — are located within the same building and within walking distance of each other, it is practically impossible to get lost here.

The history of Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport (KUA) is closely intertwined with the military aviation of Malaysia. Initially, an airfield of the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom (RAF Kuantan) was located here. During World War II, it became one of the key sites during the Japanese invasion of Malaya in December 1941, which is a significant historical event for the entire region. After the war, the airfield was restored and over time evolved into an important base for the Royal Malaysian Air Force, which it remains to this day.

The development of civil aviation in Kuantan proceeded in parallel with the military. With the growth of tourist and business traffic to the state of Pahang, the need for a modern passenger terminal arose. This important stage in the airport's history arrived on 26 August 1992, when a new terminal designed to serve civilian flights was officially opened. This event gave a powerful impetus to the development of the region.

In 2010, the airport was officially renamed from "Kuantan Airport" to "Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport" in honour of the fifth Sultan of Pahang, highlighting its significance to the state. In subsequent years, significant modernisation was carried out, including the extension and strengthening of the runway. This allowed the airport to accept larger aircraft, such as the Airbus A330, and expand its flight geography to include not only domestic but also international destinations.

One of the most interesting facts about Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport is its dual purpose. It is one of the few airports in the country where civilian infrastructure neighbours an active military base. For travellers, this means a unique opportunity to see not only commercial liners on the airfield but also fighter jets and transport aircraft of the Royal Malaysian Air Force, adding a special flair to the start or end of a trip.

Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport (KUA) in Kuantan, being an important transport hub for the east coast of Malaysia, offers passengers a range of essential services for a comfortable journey. In the terminal building, you will find several cafes and eateries where you can taste local cuisine or have a coffee before your flight. There are also small shops selling souvenirs, newspapers, and daily necessities.

For passengers wishing to relax in a quieter environment, a premium lounge is available. Free Wi-Fi operates throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected. If you need to charge electronic devices, special counters and power outlets are provided in the waiting halls.

Financial services are represented by ATMs and currency exchange points, where you can exchange money upon arrival or before departure. In case of unforeseen health situations, a medical station is available at the airport, ready to provide first aid.

The airport is equipped for the needs of passengers with special requirements: ramps and specially adapted toilets are available. Families with small children can use the mother and child rooms, where all conditions are created for caring for babies in a calm and clean environment.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, several hotels of various price categories are located just a few minutes' drive away, which is very convenient for those with an early departure or late arrival. Specialised conference rooms are not provided in the terminal, however, many of the nearby hotels offer business services and venues for holding business meetings.

Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport offers passengers several convenient options for a snack or a full meal to help pass the time while waiting for a flight. Most catering establishments are concentrated in the main area of the terminal, before security control.

In the public area (landside), you will find main cafes and restaurants. This is the ideal place to have a leisurely lunch or dinner before departure. Here you can often find popular local chains, such as Marrybrown, offering hearty fried chicken and burgers, or "kopitiam" style cafes (traditional coffee shops) serving set meals. This is the best choice for those looking for a substantial meal.

After passing security control, in the departure zone (airside), the selection is more limited and oriented towards a quick snack. Small coffee shops and kiosks operate here, where you can buy sandwiches, pastries, snacks, and drinks. This is an excellent opportunity to try traditional Malaysian white coffee and light snacks, for example, the famous "kaya" toast (coconut jam).

It is important to note that virtually all food at the airport is Halal, which is the standard for Malaysia. The selection of vegetarian or gluten-free dishes may be limited, so it is recommended to check ingredients with the staff. The price range in establishments at Kuantan Airport is generally affordable and does not differ significantly from city cafes.

The opening hours of most establishments are tied to the flight schedule: they open early in the morning and close after the departure of the last evening flight. Thus, travellers almost always have the opportunity to refresh themselves, regardless of their departure time.

To ensure your journey through Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport goes as smoothly as possible, it is worth considering a few tips. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure, and for international flights — 2-3 hours. This will give you enough time to complete all formalities without rushing. To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by most airlines. This will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop counter or, if you are travelling light, to the security screening zone.

The screening procedure at Kuantan Airport is standard. Remember the general rules for carrying hand luggage: all liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag. It is forbidden to bring sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances into the cabin. Power banks and other devices with lithium batteries should only be carried in hand luggage. If you are unsure whether a particular item is allowed, it is better to clarify the information on your airline's website in advance.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences. A window seat will offer you picturesque views during take-off and landing, especially if you are flying over the coast of Malaysia. An aisle seat is more convenient if you plan to get up during the flight, and will allow you to exit the aircraft faster upon arrival.

For passengers with connections, it is important to clarify in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and re-check it for the next flight. Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport is not very large, so navigation will not cause difficulties. When passing through customs control, be ready to present your passport and a completed immigration card if required. Familiarise yourself with the country's customs regulations in advance to avoid problems with declaring goods.

You can save money at the airport in several ways. For instance, bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it at a drinking fountain after passing security. Airport transfers and parking are often cheaper to book online in advance. Instead of exchanging currency at the airport at an unfavourable rate, withdraw a small amount from an ATM or exchange money once you are in the city.

In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative first. They will provide current information and explain your rights to compensation (for example, vouchers for food or drinks, and in case of a long delay — hotel accommodation). While waiting for your flight, you can make use of the cafes and shops located in the terminal or connect to the free Wi-Fi.