KKIA runway temporarily closed for repairs, flights delayed

THE runway at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) was temporarily closed today for repair works, causing delays to several flights and prompting passengers to seek updates from their airlines.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) had been issued for the temporary runway closure to allow repair works to be carried out.

“The NOTAM has been issued for the temporary closure of the runway at Kota Kinabalu International Airport to enable repair works to be carried out,” it said in a statement.

MAHB said the runway would reopen once the necessary safety inspections and cleaning works had been completed.

It advised passengers to check with their respective airlines for the latest flight status and updates.

Several social media users reported delays linked to the closure.

“My goodness, my 1pm flight is now only expected to depart at 6.30pm. What is happening in Kota Kinabalu? Why does the KKIA runway have to be closed? The flight to Kota Kinabalu has been delayed,” Kosmo! cited user @cikgu_mer posting.

Another user, @niniyhariatiy, claimed passengers had been asked to disembark after waiting on board for more than an hour.

“Yes, I have a nephew from Kota Kinabalu who wants to fly to Kuala Lumpur. They had already been on the plane for more than an hour, but were eventually asked to get off again,” the user posted.

User @azrinajohariho also claimed that there was a hole in the runway, but the claim has not been verified by the authorities.

MAHB has yet to specify the nature of the damage that prompted the repair works or how long the runway closure is expected to last. - September 17, 2026