| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| IATA code | TWU |
| ICAO code | WBKW |
| City | Tawau |
| Country | Malaysia |
| Time zone | Asia/Kuching |
| Popular airlines | Oman Air, Batik Air (Malindo Airways Sdn Bhd dba Batik Air Malaysia), Turkish Airlines, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia |
| Schedule | Live departures board |
Getting to Tawau Airport (TWU) from the city centre of Tawau can be done in several ways, depending on your budget and preferences. The airport is located approximately 30 kilometres from the city, so the journey will take some time.
Taxi and Transfer. The most popular and convenient option is a taxi or booking a car via the Grab app, which is widely used in Malaysia. The trip from the city centre takes about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. The cost is usually between 45–60 Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). This is a reliable way to reach the airport, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling in a group. Some hotels also offer transfer services for their guests, which is worth checking when booking.
Public Transport. For budget travellers, there is the option to use local buses that run between the city and the airport. However, please note that their schedule may be irregular, and the route is not always direct. This option is significantly cheaper than a taxi but requires more time and may not be very convenient with luggage. It is recommended to check the current schedule and routes on site.
Car Rental and Parking. If you plan to actively explore the Sabah region, for instance, heading to Semporna for diving, renting a car can be an excellent solution. Representatives of several car rental companies operate at Tawau Airport. For those arriving in their own or rented vehicle, there is a paid car park on the airport grounds where you can leave your car for both short and long periods.
Tawau Airport serves as an important gateway for tourists. As alternative air hubs in the region, you might consider Lahad Datu Airport (83 km), Juwata International Airport in Tarakan (125 km), and Sandakan Airport (176 km), which serve other destinations.
Tawau Airport (TWU) is a modern and compact aviation hub that serves both domestic and some international flights. Its structure is simple and intuitive, making the experience comfortable even for first-time travellers.
The airport has just one passenger terminal, which unites all service zones under one roof. This means you do not have to worry about transferring between buildings or finding the right wing—all processes, from check-in to boarding, take place in one location. Such an organisation significantly simplifies navigation and saves time.
The terminal layout is logical: departure and arrival zones are located in close proximity to each other. Upon entering the building, you will see the flight check-in counters. After completing check-in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to the security screening area, and then to the departure lounge with boarding gates. The arrival zone is in another part of the terminal and is equipped with baggage reclaim belts and customs control counters for international flights. Signs in Malay and English help you orient yourself easily.
Thanks to the airport's small size, completing all pre-flight formalities usually does not take much time. Check-in and security screening generally proceed quite quickly. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard—1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight departure, to go through all procedures without rushing. During peak hours, small queues are possible, but overall, the airport handles passenger flow very efficiently.
The history of Tawau Airport is a story of growth and modernisation, reflecting the development of the entire region. Originally, the city's air gateway was located elsewhere, on Jalan Utara. This old airport opened in 1968 and was designed to accommodate small aircraft, such as the Fokker 27. Over time, as the city grew and tourist traffic increased, its short runway and proximity to residential areas became serious limitations.
The need for a more modern and larger airport led to the construction of a new complex 30 kilometres from the city centre. The new Tawau Airport (TWU) opened to passengers in December 2001. It was a massive project that allowed for the reception of larger airliners, including the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. The main goal was not only to improve flight safety but also to support the booming tourism industry, especially for divers heading to the world-famous islands of Sipadan and Mabul.
One event that highlighted the need for change was an air crash in 1995 at the old airfield, when a plane overshot the runway upon landing. This incident accelerated the decision to build a new, safer air harbour. Today's airport is designed to serve up to 1.5 million passengers per year and is the second-largest airport in the state of Sabah after Kota Kinabalu.
There are also several interesting facts in the airport's history. For example, the runway of the old airfield did not disappear without a trace—today it is part of the city's road network. Moving the airport was a strategic step that met not only the region's current needs but also laid the potential for future expansion, making Tawau an important transport hub on the east coast of Malaysia.
Tawau Airport (TWU), being a vital transport hub for travellers heading to the east of Sabah state in Malaysia, offers a set of essential services for a comfortable flight wait. In the terminal, you will find several cafes and eateries where you can grab a bite of local or international cuisine, as well as enjoy coffee. Additionally, there are small shops where you can buy souvenirs, newspapers, and daily necessities.
For a comfortable wait before boarding, there are general lounges as well as a VIP lounge (Plaza Premium Lounge), where passengers can relax in a more tranquil setting. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected. Special stations are equipped in the waiting halls for charging electronic devices.
The airport features ATMs and currency exchange counters where you can exchange money upon arrival or before departure. In case of need, the terminal has a first aid post ready to provide basic medical services.
For passengers travelling with small children, a mother and baby room is provided where you can care for your little one in a quiet environment. The airport is also equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including ramps and specially equipped toilets, to ensure their comfortable movement around the terminal.
Although hotels are not located directly on the airport grounds, several accommodation options are situated a few minutes' drive from the terminal. Specialised conference rooms or business centres are absent within the airport itself; however, necessary business services are often provided at nearby hotels.
Tawau Airport (TWU) offers passengers several convenient options for a snack or a full meal before departure. It is important to know that the main selection of cafes and restaurants is concentrated in the public area (landside) of the main terminal, before security control. This is convenient not only for passengers but also for those seeing them off. After passing security, in the departure zone (airside), the choice is generally more limited, often reduced to a small cafe or kiosk with drinks and snacks.
In the public zone, you can find establishments to suit any taste. Popular Malaysian chain cafes are often represented here, such as OldTown White Coffee, where you can drink the famous white coffee and try traditional toast with coconut jam (kaya). Local fast-food chains like Marrybrown or international giants like KFC are also present. For those wishing to enjoy authentic cuisine, small cafes operate offering classic dishes: Nasi Lemak (rice cooked in coconut milk with condiments) or various types of fried noodles.
Most establishments in the airport hold Halal certification, which is the standard for the country. Finding vegetarian dishes is possible, for example, vegetable rice or noodles, but the selection may not be very wide. Passengers adhering to a strict vegan or gluten-free diet should check the menu in advance or be prepared for limited options.
Prices at the airport are traditionally slightly higher than in the city, yet remain reasonable. The opening hours of most cafes and restaurants are synchronised with the flight schedule: they open early in the morning and serve passengers until the last plane departs, so you will always have the opportunity to have a bite before your journey.
To ensure your journey through Tawau Airport goes smoothly and without hassle, make use of these helpful tips. A little preparation will help save time, nerves, and even money.
Arrival Time at the Airport. Tawau Airport (TWU) serves both domestic and international flights. It is recommended to arrive 2-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. This time will be sufficient to calmly go through all procedures without rushing, even during peak hours.
Check-in and Security. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option. This allows you to avoid queues at check-in counters. The security screening procedure is standard: be prepared to remove laptops and other large gadgets from your hand luggage, as well as your plastic bag with liquids.
Seat Selection. If you are flying to Borneo to enjoy its nature, choose a window seat. You may be treated to stunning views of the jungle and coastline. If freedom of movement and the ability to easily stand up during the flight are more important to you, your choice is an aisle seat.
Hand Luggage. Remember the standard restrictions: liquids can be carried in containers of no more than 100 ml each, packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Rules may vary slightly between airlines, so it is best to check them on your carrier's website.
Transfer Passengers. If you have a connecting flight in Tawau, check in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. Usually, when flying with the same airline or partner airlines, luggage is checked through to the final destination. Follow the "Transfers" signs to proceed to the correct gate.
Customs Control. When arriving in Malaysia from another country, you will have to pass customs control. Declare all goods subject to duty. Please remember that the country has strict laws regarding the transport of narcotics.
Saving Time and Money. Pre-book a taxi or transfer from the airport to avoid overpaying on the spot. Bring an empty water bottle, which can be filled at drinking fountains after passing security. Food and drinks at the airport are generally more expensive, so bringing a light snack with you can be a good idea.
Flight Delays. In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative first. Depending on the length of the wait, you may be provided with vouchers for food or drinks, and for long delays, hotel accommodation. There are cafes and shops in the airport to help pass the time.
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