From SDK airport in Sandakan to city center

SDK Airport overview

Sandakan Airport (IATA: SDK, ICAO: WBKS) is a domestic airport located in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia, approximately 14 km (8.7 mi)) west of the town center. It serves as an important gateway for both passenger and cargo traffic, supporting the local economy and regional tourism. In 2022, the airport handled 621,513 passengers and recorded 10,876 flight movements, making it the 12th busiest airport in Malaysia. The airport was originally built by the Japanese during World War II and was later repurposed for civilian use to aid in the post-war reconstruction of the region. It began commercial operations in the 1950s and over the years, Sandakan Airport has been upgraded to accommodate growing demand. Significant infrastructure improvements have included terminal expansions, runway extensions, and the introduction of modern navigational systems. In recent years, the airport has seen major developments, including a terminal expansion completed in 2014, which increased the terminal area to 12,500 square meters, with a capacity to handle 750 passengers per hour. In 2022, a runway extension project was completed, lengthening the runway to 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) and enhancing the airport's ability to handle larger aircraft such as the Airbus A330.

Airport details