Pulau Redang Airport

Pulau Redang Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a truly exclusive gateway to a tropical paradise, where your journey begins even before you touch the ground. The approach for landing here is considered one of the most scenic in Malaysia: the aircraft flies low over the turquoise waters of the South China Sea, revealing breathtaking views of coral reefs and white sandy beaches. This intimate airport creates an atmosphere of privacy and comfort, sparing guests from the noise and bustle of major international hubs, and setting the mood for a relaxed holiday from the very first minute.

Airport Features and Highlights:

Redang Airport is unique for its STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) concept, designed to accommodate small turboprop aircraft on a short runway. This adds a touch of adventure and exclusivity to every flight. The main advantage of the airport is its location: it is situated literally a few minutes' drive from luxury resorts, particularly The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort, allowing guests to be on the beach almost immediately after landing, bypassing long ferry crossings.

The terminal is distinguished by maximum simplicity and speed of service. There are no queues at passport control, as flights are exclusively domestic, and baggage claim is practically instantaneous. Thanks to its compactness and focus on premium guests, the airport offers a high level of personalised service, creating the feeling of a private flight.

Pulau Redang Airport (RDN) is a small private airfield primarily serving island guests and flights by Berjaya Air. Most airport services are integrated with the managing hotel, The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort. Therefore, separate contact information for many services is unavailable.

• Official Website: The airport does not have its own official website. Information on flights and services can be found on the websites of Berjaya Air or The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort.
• Telephone: To contact airport representatives on the island, it is recommended to use The Taaras resort contact number: +60 9-699 2888.
• Address: Pulau Redang, 21090, Terengganu, Malaysia.
• Email: The airport has no direct email address. For inquiries, please contact the airline's support service or the resort reception.
• Social Media: The airport does not have its own social media pages.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline representative directly (in most cases, this is Berjaya Air) or the staff at the resort reception upon arrival.
• Passenger Support: Passenger support is provided by airline personnel and resort staff meeting the flight.

Getting to and from the airport on Redang Island involves several options, but it is important to understand the specifics of this paradisiacal corner of Malaysia. The transport system here is closely linked to the sea and the mainland. Most travellers arrive on and depart from the island using a combination of ferry and flight via the nearest major airport on the mainland — Sultan Mahmud Airport (TGG) in Kuala Terengganu.

Direct Flights to Pulau Redang Airport (RDN)

The island has its own small airport, which mainly serves private and charter flights, such as Berjaya Air from Kuala Lumpur (Subang Airport). If you are flying directly to or from the island, the transport issue is resolved very simply. Almost all resorts organise complimentary or paid transfers to/from the airport for their guests. Usually, this is a minibus or hotel car. The journey from any hotel to the airport on the island rarely takes more than 15-20 minutes. There is no public transport on the island itself.

Combined Route: Ferry + Mainland Transport

This is the most popular and budget-friendly way to travel. The route from the island to the mainland airport looks like this:

1. Transfer to the jetty on Redang. Your hotel will take you to the central jetty or their own pier, from where ferries depart for the mainland.

2. Ferry to the mainland. Speedboats run between the island and the Merang or Shahbandar jetties in Kuala Terengganu. The trip takes from 1 to 1.5 hours.

3. Transport from the jetty to the airport. Upon arrival on the mainland, you have several options to get to Sultan Mahmud Airport (TGG), which is approximately 43 km from the island:

• Taxi or services like Grab: The most convenient method. The journey from Shahbandar jetty to TGG airport will take about 20-30 minutes, from Merang jetty — about 45 minutes. The cost will vary, but this is the fastest option.
• Transfer: Many ferry companies offer a package including a transfer from the jetty to the airport or city centre. It is convenient to book this in advance.
• Bus: From Shahbandar jetty, located in the centre of Kuala Terengganu, you can find local buses going towards the airport, but this can be inconvenient with luggage and will take significantly more time.

Car Rental and Parking

Car rental on Redang Island itself is not relevant for tourists, as the road network is minimal, and all movements are made on foot along the beach or via boats and hotel shuttles. If you are travelling around Malaysia in a rented car, you can leave it at the paid guarded car parks at the Merang or Shahbandar ferry jetties for the duration of your holiday on the island.

Recommendations:

• Always coordinate transfers with your hotel on Redang. They will provide the most accurate information on boat schedules and help organise the trip.
• Check ferry schedules in advance, as they may change depending on the season and weather conditions.
• The main air hub for a trip to Redang is the airport in Kuala Terengganu (TGG). Alternatively, you can consider Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR) in Kota Bharu, but it is located significantly further away (about 90 km).

Pulau Redang Airport (RDN) is a very compact and simple airport consisting of just one small terminal. Its main task is to serve tourists flying to the paradise island of Redang, so its entire infrastructure is simplified to the maximum for convenience and speed. There is no separation into domestic and international terminals here, as the airport accepts only domestic flights, primarily from Kuala Lumpur (Subang Airport).

The entire airport structure is concentrated in one building. The departure and arrival zones are located right here, literally a few steps from each other. You will not find confusing corridors or multi-level transitions here. The layout is extremely clear: upon entering the building, you will immediately see the check-in counters, followed by a small security checkpoint and a cosy waiting lounge. It is practically impossible to get lost here. Since there is only one terminal, the question of transfers between them is irrelevant.

One of the main features of Redang Airport is the speed of completing all formalities. Due to the small passenger flow and the servicing of only a few flights, check-in and security screening take a minimal amount of time — often no more than 15-20 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1–1.5 hours before departure to check in luggage and take a seat in the lounge without rushing.

Navigation at Pulau Redang Airport is intuitively understandable. All key zones — from the entrance to the boarding gate — are in direct line of sight. Signs, if present, merely complement the general simplicity. The main advice for travellers: do not worry about complex logistics. This airport was created so that your journey to the island begins and ends as relaxedly as possible and without unnecessary stress.

Pulau Redang Airport (RDN) is not just a runway on a tropical island, but a key project that changed the tourism landscape of Redang Island. Its history is inextricably linked to the transformation of this secluded corner of Malaysia into a popular premium holiday destination.

The airport was built in the early 2000s and officially opened in 2004. The initiator and main investor of the construction was the Berjaya Group, which was developing large resort complexes on the island. The main goal of creating the airport was to provide direct and fast access for tourists, primarily for guests of its hotels, offering them a comfortable alternative to the long journey by ferry from the mainland.

Since its opening, the airport has not undergone massive renovations characteristic of large international hubs. Its infrastructure was initially designed to be compact and efficient. It is a STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) type airport, capable of receiving turboprop aircraft such as the ATR 72, which are ideal for short regional flights, for example, from Subang Airport in Kuala Lumpur.

There are no loud records or global events in the history of Pulau Redang Airport. Its main achievement is the successful fulfilment of its mission: it made the paradise island accessible and contributed to its economic growth. An interesting fact: landing at this airport is in itself part of the tourist experience. The aircraft makes a turn over the sea, and passengers are treated to breathtaking views of turquoise lagoons, white sandy beaches, and the dense jungles of the island, creating anticipation for an unforgettable holiday.

Pulau Redang Airport (RDN) is a small regional airport serving mainly tourists heading to the island's resorts. Its infrastructure is simple and functional, so the range of services here is basic and focused on the rapid arrival and departure of passengers.

Restaurants, Shops, and Lounges. The airport has a small general waiting hall. Opportunities for shopping and dining are extremely limited. You are unlikely to find full-service restaurants or Duty Free shops here. A small kiosk with beverages and light snacks may be available to passengers. It is recommended to have a meal before arriving at the airport or at your hotel.

Amenities and Services. The availability of Wi-Fi and device charging stations is not guaranteed. If they exist, their quantity will be minimal. It is strongly recommended to bring a portable power bank. There are no bank branches or currency exchange points in the terminal building. All financial transactions are best conducted in advance on the mainland, for example, in Kuala Terengganu.

Specialised Services. The airport does not have VIP lounges, business centres, or conference rooms. Dedicated mother and child rooms are generally absent. Medical assistance is limited to first aid. Passengers with reduced mobility should coordinate trip details with their airline and the host resort in advance to organise support. There are no hotels directly on the airport territory — all accommodation options are located at the island's resorts, to which transfers are organised.

When planning a departure from Redang Island, it is important to consider that Pulau Redang Airport (RDN) is a very small airport serving mainly short resort flights. Due to its modest size and specific nature, the choice of dining establishments here is extremely limited and not comparable to major international aviation hubs.

Instead of full-fledged restaurants and cafes, you will most likely find one small kiosk or snack bar in the airport building. Its assortment usually includes basic items for a quick bite: packaged sandwiches, crisps, pastries, chocolate, as well as soft drinks, water, and coffee. This establishment is located in the main and only waiting hall, accessible to all passengers.

Unfortunately, you will not be able to try authentic Malaysian cuisine here. For gastronomic experiences, it is better to go to one of the restaurants at your hotel or local cafes on the island before travelling to the airport. Passengers with special dietary needs (vegetarians, vegans, as well as those looking for Halal or gluten-free options) are strongly advised to bring food with them, as suitable options will likely not be available at the airport.

Prices for snacks and beverages may be slightly higher than on the mainland, which is typical for island tourist locations. The opening hours of the snack bar are usually tied to the flight schedule — it opens shortly before departure and closes after the aircraft leaves. Thus, the airport is suitable exclusively for a quick snack before boarding, and for a full meal, one should rely on establishments outside of it.

Planning a trip through Redang Island Airport? To ensure your journey goes smoothly, make use of our tips. This small airport serves mainly domestic flights, making it quite simple to navigate, but good preparation never hurts.

Arrival Time: Despite the compact size of the airport, it is recommended to arrive approximately 1.5–2 hours before departure. This will give you enough time to go through check-in and security without rushing, especially during the peak tourist season.

Check-in and Security: Most flights from here are operated by one airline, and check-in counters are easy to find. To save time, complete online check-in in advance if your airline provides such an option. Security screening procedures are standard, but as in any airport in Malaysia, follow the staff's instructions for quick clearance.

Seat Selection: Flights to Redang Island and back are famous for their stunning views. Try to get a window seat to enjoy the panorama of the South China Sea and picturesque islands from a bird's-eye view. This spectacle will be an excellent start or finish to your holiday.

Hand Luggage: Rules are standard for most air travel. Liquids (shampoos, lotions) must be in containers up to 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag. Check all sharp objects into luggage. Power banks and other lithium-ion batteries are permitted only in hand luggage.

Connecting Passengers: Redang Airport is usually a final destination, not a transit hub. If you have a connection planned at another airport (for example, in Kuala Lumpur), ensure you have enough time between flights — allow at least 2-3 hours in case of unforeseen delays.

Customs Control: Since the airport serves mainly domestic flights, there is no international customs control here. Arrival and departure procedures are simplified to the maximum.

Saving Time and Money:

• Book flight tickets in advance, especially if travelling during the high season.
• Travel light to avoid surcharges for excess baggage.
• Bring a water bottle (which can be filled after security) and light snacks, as the selection at the airport may be limited and expensive.

Flight Delays: Weather on the islands can be unpredictable and may affect the schedule. In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative for current information, possible rebooking options, or compensation. Given the small size of the terminal, bring a book or a charged gadget to pass the waiting time.