Lost and Found Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)

Have you forgotten personal items in Kota Kinabalu International Airport ?
Whether you’ve lost your item(s) in the airport or on the plane, our team is here to help you report your loss.

About Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)

Kota Kinabalu International Airport is the primary airport serving Kota Kinabalu and the state of Sabah in East Malaysia on Borneo island. Located approximately 8 kilometers southwest of Kota Kinabalu city center, the airport serves as the main gateway to Sabah’s natural attractions, including Mount Kinabalu, diving destinations, and wildlife sanctuaries.

As one of Malaysia’s busiest airports, Kota Kinabalu International handles millions of passengers annually on domestic, international, and regional routes. The airport serves adventure travelers, divers, mountain climbers, and tourists exploring Sabah’s biodiversity. With diverse passenger traffic, personal items frequently get left behind. The airport maintains a 24/7 Lost Property service to help travelers recover their belongings.

What Should You Do If You’ve Lost Something at Kota Kinabalu Airport ?

Losing an item at Kota Kinabalu International Airport can be especially problematic if you’re heading to remote diving islands or mountain climbing destinations. Fortunately, the airport operates a 24/7 Lost Property service, though contacting during office hours is recommended for the best response. Whether your item was misplaced at security, in a terminal area, or at a restaurant, here’s what you need to know.

Have you forgotten personal items in Kota Kinabalu International Airport ? From check-in areas to boarding gates, personal belongings are left behind regularly.

How to report items lost in the airport ?

Whether you’ve lost your item in the airport or on the plane, the information below will guide you through reporting your loss. The 24/7 availability means you can report at any time, though office hours provide the most responsive service.

When filing your report, provide comprehensive details:

• A detailed description of the item (color, brand, model, serial numbers, unique identifiers)
• The specific location where it may have been lost and the approximate time
• Your airline, flight number, and gate information
• Your contact information including phone number, email address, and accommodation or diving resort details if staying in Sabah

You can also complete and send in the Lost Item Report Form on our platform so that our team can assist you in reporting your lost item(s).

The Kota Kinabalu International Airport Lost Property service is open for enquiries 24/7 but it’s best to phone during office hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Item(s) lost on the plane

If you left something onboard your aircraft, you need to contact your airline directly. The airport Lost Property service manages items found in the terminal, not onboard aircraft. Each airline has its own procedures for handling items left on planes.

24/7 Service with Office Hours Priority

The Lost Property service structure means:

• 24/7 Availability – You can report losses at any time of day or night
• Office Hours (9:00 am to 5:00 pm) – Best response time and direct staff access
• After Hours – Service available but may have delayed response
• Ideal for Urgent Situations – Lost passports, medications, or essential items can be reported immediately

This hybrid approach provides flexibility while maintaining quality service during business hours.

Common Places Where Items Are Lost at BKI

Travelers most frequently lose items in these areas:

• Security Checkpoints – Diving computers, outdoor gear, electronics, and accessories left in screening bins
• Gate Seating Areas – Charging cables, guidebooks about Sabah, and travel documents forgotten during boarding
• Baggage Claim – Dive bags, outdoor equipment, and small items overlooked while collecting luggage
• Shops and Restaurants – Phones, cameras, or bags left at tables
• Ground Transportation Area – Items dropped while arranging taxis to diving resorts or city hotels
• Departure Areas – Last-minute souvenir shopping leads to forgotten personal items

What to do if you’ve left something on a plane ?

If you realize you’ve left something on your flight:

Immediate Actions:

1. Contact airline staff at the airport immediately if you haven’t left yet
2. Provide your flight number, seat number, and exact item description
3. Note if the item contains valuable data or is essential for your trip
4. Get a reference number for your report

Follow-Up:

1. Call the airline daily until the matter is resolved
2. Provide serial numbers for electronics if available
3. Keep your boarding pass as proof of travel
4. For diving or climbing equipment, emphasize if you have upcoming activities that require it

According to statistics, approximately 70% of items lost in airports are returned to their owners when properly reported with detailed descriptions.

Claiming Your Lost Property

If your item is found:

• The Lost Property service will contact you using your report information
• Service available 24/7, but claim during office hours (9:00 am to 5:00 pm) for smoother process
• Bring valid photo identification (passport or IC)
• Provide detailed description to verify ownership
• Have your report reference number ready
• For travelers at remote locations (diving resorts, mountain lodges), discuss courier options or proxy collection

If you’re at a diving resort or on Mount Kinabalu when your item is found, you may need to arrange for hotel staff or a tour operator in Kota Kinabalu to collect it.

Lost Luggage or Item Left on the Plane ?

For different types of losses:

• Checked Baggage Issues – Report immediately to your airline’s baggage services desk in arrivals
• Items Lost in Terminal – Contact the Kota Kinabalu Airport Lost Property service
• Items Left on Aircraft – Contact your airline directly

Each type of loss requires contacting different parties for resolution.

Preventing Loss for Adventure Travelers

Kota Kinabalu Airport serves many adventure travelers heading to challenging destinations. Here’s how to protect your belongings:

For Divers:

• Camera equipment and underwater housings are valuable and easily forgotten
• Label all dive gear with waterproof tags including contact information
• Keep certification cards and logbooks in one dedicated, secure pocket
• Photograph expensive equipment with serial numbers before departure

For Mountain Climbers (Mount Kinabalu):

• Climbing permits and documentation should be kept together
• Outdoor gear like headlamps, trekking poles, and gloves are commonly left in bins
• Create a checklist specific to your climb gear
• Keep backup copies of permits digitally

For Wildlife Tourists:

• Binoculars, camera lenses, and field guides are high-value items
• Use distinctive bags or cases that are easy to identify
• Consolidate batteries, memory cards, and small accessories into one marked case

General Prevention:

• Never place phones or wallets in outside pockets where they can slip out
• Use a crossbody bag or money belt for documents and valuables
• Set phone reminders to check for belongings at key airport transition points
• Take a photo of your gate area seat before boarding – it helps remember what might be left behind

Research shows that over 40% of lost items occur in public places like airports, and adventure travelers with specialized gear face higher risks.

If you have lost one or several item(s), you will find information on how to contact a lost and found property service on this page.
 

Contact information following the loss of an item

Name : Kota Kinabalu International Airport Lost found
Address : Jalan Lapangan Terbang, 88740 Kota Kinabalu
Sabah, Malaysia
Phone number : +60 88 325555
Opening hours : The airport terminal is open 24/7 but it’s best to call during office hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website : https://airports.malaysiaairports.com.my/kota-kinabalu/airport-amenities/services/lost-found

List of the main items found

• Lost Personal Items : Keys, ID, Passport, Wallet, Documents, Badge, Licence (...)
• Lost Electronics : Phone, Tablet, Device charger, Camera, Laptop, Headphones (...)
• Lost Accessories : Purse, Bag, Backpack, Sunglasses, Eyeglasses, Jewellery (...)
• Lost Clothing : Gloves, Cap, Hat, Scarf, Sweater, Coat, Vest (...)

Browsing : Lost and Found > Malaysia > Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)