Labuan Airport

Labuan Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a welcoming gateway to Malaysia's famous offshore and tourism centre. Located on the island of the same name, this airport immerses travellers in a relaxed tropical atmosphere from the very first minute, where business harmoniously combines with leisure. The terminal is notable for its compactness and intuitive navigation, making arrivals and departures as quick and comfortable as possible, eliminating the hustle and bustle typical of megacities.

Labuan Airport possesses a number of unique features that make it convenient for guests of the island:

Duty-Free Zone. Since the entire island of Labuan is a duty-free zone, the airport maintains this status. Here you can purchase chocolates, perfumes, and other goods at attractive tax-free prices, which is particularly popular among tourists returning to the mainland or flying to other countries.

Exceptional Transport Accessibility. The airport is located just a few kilometres from the city of Victoria (Bandar Labuan). A taxi ride to the centre takes literally 5–10 minutes, which is a rarity for most international airports. This allows travellers to make the most efficient use of their time.

Comfort and No Queues. Thanks to the moderate passenger flow, check-in and security procedures are very quick. The terminal is equipped with everything necessary, from ATMs and cafes to free Wi-Fi, creating a calm environment before departure.

Below you will find contact information for Labuan Airport (LBU), which may be useful when planning your journey.

• Official Website: For the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport news, visit the official website of the operator, Malaysia Airports: www.malaysiaairports.com.my.
• Help Desk Phone: For general enquiries, you can call: +60 87-412 301.
• Airport Address: Jalan Lapangan Terbang, 87000 Labuan, Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan, Malaysia.
• Email: For general requests, you can use the contact form or the email address of Malaysia Airports customer support: care@malaysiaairports.com.my.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the official social media pages of Malaysia Airports.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should immediately contact the Lost and Found service of your airline. The airport does not process such requests directly, but its staff can advise you on the location of the relevant carrier's representative.
• Customer Support Contacts: For assistance directly at the airport, please visit the information desk. For general questions, the main airport telephone number can be used.

Labuan Airport (LBU) is located very close to the centre of the eponymous city in Malaysia, making the journey there quick and convenient. Regardless of your budget and plans, getting to the terminal will be effortless. On average, the trip from the central part of Labuan to the airport takes about 10–15 minutes.

Taxi and Transfer — the most popular and simple way to get to the airport. You can use local taxi services or book a car through mobile apps popular in the region, such as Grab. This is a fast, comfortable, and relatively inexpensive option, especially convenient for travellers with luggage. The cost of the trip will be low due to the short distance.

Car Rental — an excellent choice for those who value independence and plan to explore the island. There are representatives of several rental agencies at Labuan Airport. By renting a car, you gain complete freedom of movement. This allows you not only to reach the airport in comfort but also to visit all the interesting places on the island on your own.

Public Transport on the island is not widely developed and consists mainly of route minibuses. There is no direct and regular bus service to the airport, so this option may be inconvenient, especially with luggage. It is more suitable for experienced budget tourists ready for a bit of adventure and a walk from the nearest stop.

For those arriving by their own or rented transport, parking is provided at the terminal building. Here you can leave your car for both short and long periods. This is a convenient solution if you are seeing someone off or going on a short trip from the island.

Labuan Airport (LBU) is a modern and compact aviation hub characterised by a simple and clear structure. Due to its small size, navigating through it will not cause difficulties even for those visiting for the first time.

The airport consists of one main terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. Such an organisation significantly simplifies passenger movement: there is no need to transfer between different buildings or use shuttles. All zones — from check-in to boarding gates — are located within a single building, making the travel process as comfortable as possible.

The terminal structure is intuitive. The Check-in Zone and airline counters are located on the ground floor; the arrival hall with baggage claim belts and customs control is also situated here. After receiving a boarding pass, passengers proceed to the first floor, where the Departure Zone is located. Here, travellers pass through security screening and passport control, after which they enter a comfortable waiting lounge with boarding gates, several shops, and cafes.

Completing all formalities at Labuan Airport usually takes little time. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure, and for international flights — 2–3 hours. As a rule, queues for check-in and security are short, allowing you to go through all procedures without unnecessary haste. Signs in Malay and English will help you easily orient yourself and find the correct boarding gate.

The history of Labuan Airport (LBU) is closely intertwined with events of a global scale. Its origins go back to the Second World War, when a runway was built on this site. In 1945, after the end of hostilities in the region, the airfield was restored and significantly expanded by the Royal Australian Air Force, which laid the foundation for its future development as a civil facility.

After the war, the airport began serving civil flights, becoming an important gateway to Labuan Island. A key stage in its modern history was the opening of a new terminal in 1999. This large-scale modernisation significantly increased capacity, improved the level of passenger comfort, and introduced modern service standards. The terminal area was expanded, and new check-in counters, waiting lounges, and aerobridges appeared.

One of the most interesting facts about Labuan Airport is its dual purpose. Alongside serving commercial airlines, it serves as a base for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). Such proximity of civil and military aviation underscores the strategic importance of the island. Additionally, the airport plays a key role in supporting the region's offshore oil and gas industry by servicing helicopter flights to drilling platforms.

In subsequent years, the airport continued to develop to meet the growing passenger flow and economic needs of the region. Work was carried out to improve infrastructure and navigation equipment. Today, Labuan Airport is not just a transport hub, but a living monument to history that has gone from a simple wartime airstrip to a modern and functional regional aviation centre.

Labuan Airport (LBU), despite its compact size, offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Before departure, you can have a snack at one of the local cafes or enjoy a coffee. In the airport shops, you can purchase souvenirs and travel essentials, and take advantage of Labuan Island's duty-free status by choosing perfumes or sweets at attractive prices.

For those for whom staying connected is important, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. There are also charging stations for mobile devices, although their number may be limited. Passengers wishing to rest in a quieter environment can use the services of the premium lounge, where conditions are created for relaxation before the flight.

Basic financial services are provided at the airport. You will be able to find ATMs for cash withdrawal, as well as a currency exchange counter for operations with major world currencies. In case of unforeseen health situations, a medical post operates in the terminal where first aid can be obtained.

The airport is equipped to receive passengers with special needs. Ramps and specially equipped restrooms are available. For assistance, such as the provision of a wheelchair, it is recommended to contact your airline in advance. Families with small children can use the mother and child room to care for little ones in a quiet environment.

There are no hotels within the airport building itself, but many accommodation options — from budget to more comfortable ones — are located just a few minutes away by taxi in the main city of the island. There are no specialised business centres or conference halls in the terminal. For business meetings, hotels in the city are best suited, many of which offer such services.

Labuan Airport (LBU) is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited but sufficient to satisfy the basic needs of travellers before departure. Most cafes and eateries are located in the public area before security control (landside), so it is better to have a snack in advance.

The airport typically hosts several establishments offering both quick snacks and more substantial meals. Among them, you can find outlets of well-known chains, for example, cafes with coffee and pastries, as well as local eateries. One popular option is Marrybrown — a Malaysian fast-food chain offering fried chicken, burgers, and some dishes with an Asian flair. This is a good choice for a full lunch or dinner.

If you want to experience local cuisine, look for small kiosks where traditional Malaysian snacks (kuih-muih) and drinks may be sold. Even in chain establishments like Marrybrown, you can find dishes with local sauces or rice, allowing you to form a first impression of the gastronomy of Malaysia.

Since Malaysia is a Muslim country, the majority of establishments, especially local ones, offer food that complies with Halal standards. Finding vegetarian or gluten-free dishes may be challenging. Coffee shops usually have plant-based milk for drinks, but the food selection will be limited. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are advised to bring food with them or eat in the city before travelling to the airport.

Prices at Labuan Airport are generally slightly higher than in the city but remain affordable. Establishments usually open early in the morning and operate until the departure of the last flight. For a quick snack, a coffee with a sandwich or pastry is suitable, and for a hearty lunch — a combo meal at a fast-food restaurant.

Travelling through Labuan Airport (LBU) usually proceeds smoothly and without unnecessary fuss, but a few tips will help make your experience even more comfortable. It is a small regional airport primarily serving domestic flights within Malaysia, so large crowds are rare here.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is more than sufficient for flight check-in and passing security control. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option.

Security Checks: Screening procedures are standard. To speed up the process, prepare your boarding pass and ID in advance. In carry-on luggage, liquids must be in containers up to 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag. Laptops and other large electronics must be placed in a separate tray.

Seat Selection and Carry-on: When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat offers beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up freely. Regarding carry-on luggage, remember the ban on carrying sharp objects and flammable substances. Power banks are usually allowed, but their capacity must not exceed airline limits.

Customs and Transfers: Labuan has the status of a duty-free zone. This is an important point: if you are flying to another part of Malaysia, customs restrictions may apply to goods purchased here (especially tobacco and taxable goods). Always check current import allowances. Transfers at this airport are rare, but if you have a connecting flight, follow the "Transit" signs and check if you need to collect and re-check your luggage.

Savings and Flight Delays: To save money, book flight tickets and taxis from the airport online in advance. Travelling light with only carry-on luggage helps avoid baggage fees. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information on flight status and possible compensation (meals, drinks). While waiting for departure, you can relax in the small cafes within the terminal.