Essential airport routes for Malaysian business travel managers

Kiran Sidhu
Kiran Sidhu
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malaysian business travel

Last Updated on: June 15, 2023 at 5:46 am

A recent report places Malaysia as next in line to become Asia’s next advanced economy. As its GDP marches towards $1 trillion, a value it will probably reach by 2030, the need for business trips continues to increase.

For both Malaysian business travellers and managers, it’s essential to choose the right airport route in order to ensure efficient and cost-effective trips, especially now that the spread of corporate travel companies is raising the bar. While Kuala Lumpur International Airport certainly provides a remarkable range of routes, other airports may be more suitable depending on the specific destination.

This article will explore some essential business travel Malaysia airport routes to know for business travellers and travel managers. Let’s get started.

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#1 Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) 

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is obviously the primary gateway to Malaysia. It also functions as a hub for various airlines (e.g., Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia).

Located around 45 kilometres from Kuala Lampur’s centre, KUL can be easily reached by Express Rail Link (ERL), as well as taxis and buses. 

This airport offers an expansive network of domestic and global routes to over 150 destinations worldwide. It also boasts modern facilities with a recently expanded terminal as well as world-renowned shopping and dining options. 

A business traveller will appreciate the convenience of KUL’s location, along with its extensive connectivity and efficient operations.

#2 Penang International Airport (PEN)

Penang International Airport is a very important air gateway in the northern part of Malaysia. It offers convenient connections to various destinations, such as Langkawi, Phuket, to Bangkok.

PEN is particularly important for business travellers from the electronics and semiconductor industries. That’s because it provides access to Penang’s industrial zones. For this reason, Penang International Airport is a very strategic hub for investors and entrepreneurs too.

#3 Johor Bahru’s Senai International Airport (JHB)

JHB is an increasingly popular airport that can be easily reached from Singapore, as it’s only a short drive away from the city centre. One of its unique features is its proximity to Iskandar Malaysia, a rapidly growing economic zone that hosts many multinational companies. SMEs and startups.

JHB provides flights to various domestic and international locations, such as Bangkok, Guangzhou, Jakarta, and Taipei. Its connections to overseas destinations are especially beneficial for business people who want an alternative to the congested Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Additionally, JHB offers several low-cost airlines, which makes it cost-effective for those on a budget.

Choosing JHB as a route for business trips has numerous advantages – its central location in Iskandar, Malaysia, its links to major cities in Southeast Asia, and its affordability. Moreover, JHB’s efficient operations and convenient transit experience make it an ideal choice for business travellers seeking a stress-free journey.

#4 Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) Connectors

BKI is an airport located on the northern coast of Borneo. 

The natural attractiveness of this part of the country, known for its forests, coastlines, and tropical weather, was a major factor behind its touristic development. It is the main airport in Sabah, providing domestic and international flights for business travellers.

What makes this airport very convenient to corporate travellers is its connections to numerous Malaysian cities, including Kuala Lumpur and Penang. From BKI, business travellers can also reach several global destinations, including Taipei, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Seoul. 

Thanks to its central location in Sabah, BKI can be a great hub for companies looking to expand their operations across Borneo or Southeast Asia.

For businesses in the tourism, hospitality, or environmental sectors, BKI can LAO be an ideal route due to its unique location with access to various natural wonders. 

#5 Subang Airport (SZB)

Subang Airport, also known as Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, is a smaller airfield located in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur. It is a popular choice for private and chartered flights, as well as being the base for several local airlines. Business travellers often opt for this airport due to its proximity to the city centre and its efficient check-in and boarding process. Subang Airport offers domestic routes to key destinations in Malaysia, such as Penang, Langkawi, and Kota Bharu, and international flights to Jakarta, Bangkok, and Singapore. Additionally, it provides connections to vacation spots such as Malacca and Tioman Island.

The airport is only 18 kilometres away from the heart of Kuala Lumpur and can be reached by various modes of transport, including taxis and the KTM Komuter train. This makes it an ideal option for businessmen who are looking for quick alternatives to the crowded Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Furthermore, Subang Airport has meeting and conference facilities available for those looking to conduct business while on the go.

#6 Langkawi International Airport (LGK)

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) is another convenient airport situated on the northern coast of Borneo in Sabah, Malaysia.

In addition to providing an awe-inspiring location, LGK offers domestic and international flights to cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Seoul, and Tokyo. 

Furthermore, BKI presents a great opportunity for businesses in the tourism, hospitality, and environmental sectors as it serves as a gateway to some of the most beautiful natural attractions in the area, including Mount Kinabalu, Kinabalu National Park, and Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center.

Malaysian businessmen who choose BKI as their travel route can benefit from several advantages, most importantly its strategic position, which makes it a perfect gateway to several Southeast Asian cities.

Additionally, its modern facilities, including lounges, restaurants, and duty-free shops, provide executives with a comfortable and convenient travel experience. With its tranquil atmosphere and picturesque views, BKI can also be an ideal spot for business meetings or conferences.

#7 Kuching International Airport (KCH)

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) is another great gateway located on the northern coast of Borneo and provides travellers with easy access to many Southeast Asian cities.

Moreover, it is also a portal to natural attractions such as Mount Kinabalu, Kinabalu National Park, and the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center.

Businessmen can take advantage of BKI’s strategic location and its breathtaking scenery by expanding their businesses in the tourism, hospitality, and environmental sectors. The airport’s first-rate amenities, like comfortable lounges, exquisite restaurants, and duty-free shops, guarantee a pleasant journey for business travellers. 

Furthermore, its central position in Sabah makes it an ideal spot for business meetings and conferences. Choosing BKI as a route provides businessmen with efficient access to popular destinations around the region while enjoying a tranquil atmosphere; this is an extraordinary combination for business gatherings and cost-effective options for budget-friendly travellers.

Finding the best Malaysian business travel routes with TruTrip

As the Malaysian economy grows and opportunities multiply, the environment becomes more competitive. For this reason, travel managers and business travellers in charge of choosing business travel Malaysia routes need to resort to the most effective tools in order to keep costs down while improving results. 


TruTrip is one of the most flexible and modern corporate travel platforms available today. It allows users to leverage a single travel management system to choose the most convenient itineraries and manage travel policies, as well as gain precious insights from the company’s business travel data. And the great thing is that you can try it out for free by simply scheduling a demo or starting a free trial now and testing the benefits of one of the leading travel management companies.