2018 is a special milestone for Malaysia Airports as it marks the 20th year that KL International Airport (KLIA) is in operation. Over 600 guests commemorated this exceptional occasion in an event that showed appreciation to passengers and acknowledge the workforce that forms the backbone of the airport’s success.

Acting group CEO of Malaysia Airports Raja Azmi Raja Nazuddin Azmi delivering his speech during the celebration
The theme of the celebration is ‘Joyful Malaysian Experience’, which resonates with the Malaysia Airports’ total airport experience promise. Raja Azmi Raja Nazuddin Azmi, the acting group CEO of Malaysia Airports, explains, “Our visitors and passengers can experience a fun-filled event with many activities lined up including cultural performances, a Malaysian Wedding showcase, Malaysian Food Sampling, lucky draw and a 20-foot birthday cake for those celebrating their birthday together with KLIA today.
“Apart from the celebration, we will also be recognising service excellence by awarding 17 people across all our airports nationwide with the Customer Affairs & Resolution Excellence (CARE) Awards presentation. This is line with our continuous commitment in delivering quality services to our airport users.”
Since welcoming passengers and planes on 30 June 1998, the airport has experienced steady growth in passengers served. 13 million passengers were recorded in its inaugural year, while 58.6 million people made up the total of KLIA and klia2 passengers in 2017. More than 60 airlines currently operate at KLIA.
KLIA has also earned global recognition during its two decades, including the ‘World’s Best Airport in 15-25 mppa Category’ by ACI ASQ for year 2005, 2006 and 2007; ‘World’s Best Airport for Immigration Services Award’ by Skytrax in 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2017; ‘World Airport Award for Staff Service Excellence in South East Asia’ by Skytrax in 2010 and 2011; and ‘Large Airport of the Year Award’ at CAPA Awards for Excellence in Asia Pacific Aviation in 2014.
During the KLIA 20th anniversary celebration, the 108 millionth, 292 millionth and 633 millionth passengers for KLIA; and the 82 millionth and 135 millionth passengers for klia2; who passed through the airport that day were rewarded. Malaysia Airports also presented an iPhone X to a lucky 20-year-old who was born in June 1998, the same month when KLIA was opened – after a lucky draw aimed at eligible ‘20-Year-Old June Babies’ was previously set off on the Malaysia Airports social media platforms.
The anniversary celebration isn’t the only big news over at Malaysia Airports, as the Annual Shopping Campaign returns this year and the world’s first Hershey’s Flotilla Buggy lands at KLIA.