KUALA LUMPUR – Flight operations at Labuan Airport have been disrupted after its runway was temporarily closed following the discovery of old bombs located about 150 metres from the runway area.
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), issued by the Royal Malaysian Air Force at 5pm and shared via Malaysia Airports’ Facebook page, confirmed the closure until further notice, Bernama reported.
Authorities from the Royal Malaysian Air Force and airport management are currently carrying out a joint inspection of the runway. It will only be reopened once inspections are completed and full safety clearance is granted.
The disruption has led to the cancellation of flights from Labuan to Miri and Kota Kinabalu, while several other services arriving and departing have been delayed, diverted or rescheduled.
Passengers have been advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates before heading to the airport.
Checks at Labuan Airport showed multiple flights scheduled between 4.05pm and 7.25pm affected, including routes to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu and Miri.
A source familiar with the matter said the explosives, believed to date back to the Second World War, were discovered at a slope repair site along the Kerupang coastal road.
Operations remain suspended pending further assessment, with authorities expected to provide updates once the situation is resolved. – June 26, 2026