Lahad Datu Airport - Lahad Datu, Σαμπά

Ken W.

Lahad Datu Airport offers a small yet efficient setup, serving its purpose well for regional travel. The compact layout makes navigation easy, with facilities located within close reach. While limited in scale, the airport maintains a functional and orderly environment, providing a smooth experience for passengers. Enhancing waiting area amenities could further improve comfort for travelers.

Eric C.

Smaller airport size.
Landed..walked to the airport...Baggage manually handed over..turned back and walked to the exit in countable steps. You save a lot of your energy to walk around this airport if you compare it to KLIA2 🤭

Hisyam B.

Quite a cute and tiny place. Everything is simple and easy to navigate. Luggage is manually handled, so it feels a bit more personal.

Alpha K.

Lahad Datu Airport, a small but functional gateway nestled in the heart of Sabah, Malaysia, offers travelers a modest yet efficient experience tailored to its role as a critical access point for adventurers heading to Borneo’s pristine natural wonders. The airport’s compact design ensures a hassle-free journey from arrival to departure, with a no-frills approach that prioritizes practicality over luxury. Upon entering the terminal, visitors are greeted by a straightforward layout—check-in counters, a security checkpoint, and a waiting area—all within easy walking distance. While the facilities are basic, they are clean and well-maintained, reflecting the town’s commitment to serving eco-tourists en route to destinations like the Danum Valley Conservation Area or the Kinabatangan River. The check-in process is swift, even during peak hours, thanks to the limited number of daily flights, which are primarily operated by small regional airlines like MASwings. Staff members, though not overly polished, are courteous and helpful, often going the extra mile to assist travelers unfamiliar with the region’s logistics. The departure lounge is simple, with a handful of plastic seats and a small snack kiosk offering basic refreshments like instant noodles, bottled water, and local coffee—adequate for short waits but underwhelming for those expecting a wider variety. Free Wi-Fi is available, though connectivity can be patchy, a reminder of the airport’s remote location. For international travelers, the absence of duty-free shops or modern amenities might feel jarring, but this simplicity aligns with Lahad Datu’s rugged charm and its role as a launchpad for jungle expeditions rather than a commercial hub. The real highlight of the airport lies just beyond its walls: the breathtaking vistas of Sabah’s lush landscapes, visible even from the tarmac. Flights here often use turboprop planes, adding a touch of adventure as passengers soar over emerald rainforests and winding rivers. Baggage claim is equally uncomplicated, with luggage delivered promptly to a small carousel, though travelers should keep expectations in check for delays during adverse weather, common in this tropical region. Transportation options outside the airport are limited but reliable, with pre-arranged shuttle services and taxis readily available to ferry visitors to lodges or boat terminals. While Lahad Datu Airport may lack the glamour of larger international hubs, its unpretentious efficiency and proximity to Borneo’s ecological treasures make it a fitting introduction to the raw beauty of Malaysian Borneo. For those embarking on wildlife safaris or river cruises, the airport’s utilitarian vibe feels almost poetic—a humble prelude to the untamed wilderness awaiting just beyond its doors.

Dylan H.

Seems like a good small airport.

They have a filtered drinking water dispenser at the gate after security, as well as outlets for charging.

Before security there is a vendor selling some snacks and bottled water.

When you arrive you have to pass your check-in luggage through a security scan before going to the check in counter.

And when it is raining they greet you with umbrellas at disembarkment. So cute

And they have free wifi that just works without asking for any personal info

Seems great to me

Ahmad S.

Better than expected. It's a small airport. Toilets are clean, no smell. There's cafe, taxi and rent a car. Well staffed. Staff are good, they offer umbrella when disbark plane. The airport has beautiful scenery and located in town. Thumbs up.

Bruce N.

A small airport which is literally an arrival and departure point.
There is a shop in the airport that sells food and drink and that's about it.
The toilets are not the cleanest around.
Nice touch by Air Malaysia to provide umbrellas when boarding plane during heavy rain.

AshRizal

Lahad Datu Airport is just small domestic airport, very few flight arrives and depart from here mostly from within Sabah, the only commercial airlines operating here is Maswing and they only use ATR plane the type that using propeller engine. Even do the airport is small but very clean and well maintained, there is a small Caffe inside which is accessible by travelers and visitors, boarding waiting area quite small maybe can accommodate about 70-90 pax at one time.