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Kota Kinabalu airport runway closure disrupts 20 flights

Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad says persistent rainfall has delayed critical maintenance work needed before the runway can safely resume operations. The closure is affecting multiple flight schedules at the Sabah hub.

LSN Malaysia · 17 September 2026

Kota Kinabalu airport runway closure disrupts 20 flights

Kota Kinabalu International Airport remains partially closed following essential maintenance requirements that have been hampered by continuous wet weather conditions. The runway closure is impacting approximately 20 flights, according to Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), the operator of the facility.

MAHB attributed the delay to heavy rainfall that has prevented completion of necessary works on the runway surface. The maintenance operations are critical to ensure the facility meets safety standards before resuming normal flight operations.

The airport authority did not specify a timeline for when the runway would reopen or provide details on the exact nature of the required maintenance work. Passengers and airlines have been advised to check with their carriers for information regarding affected flights.

Kota Kinabalu International Airport serves as a major gateway for travel to Sabah, handling both domestic and international routes. The runway closure marks a significant disruption to air traffic in the region during what is typically a busy period for the airport.