KLIA Terminal 1 upgrades e-hailing pick-up facilities, introduces RM3 driver entry fee

If you’re getting picked up by Grab or another e-hailing service at KLIA Terminal 1, there’s now a small extra cost built into your trip. From 4 August 2026, every e-hailing vehicle entering the passenger pick-up area at Level 1 of the Main Terminal Building has to pay a RM3 entry fee and, realistically, most drivers may pass that cost on to passengers.

To be fair, the fee comes alongside a broader upgrade to the pickup zone. KLIA says Level 1 now runs on a License Plate Recognition (LPR) system tied to a Passenger Information Display System (PIDS), so you can watch your driver’s arrival on live screens. There are also self-service kiosks to book your ride and pin your exact pickup spot, dedicated waiting lounges, structured pick-up bays, and on-ground marshals directing traffic.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) says the LPR setup tightens access control so only authorised e-hailing vehicles can use the bays, which is meant to squeeze out illegal touts working the arrivals hall. The RM3, meanwhile, is pitched as the money that keeps all this new hardware running.

The upgrade was worked out with e-hailing operators, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and APAD, following recommendations from the National Airport Facilitation Working Committee.

“A great airport experience doesn’t end at the terminal. It continues throughout the passenger journey, where every touchpoint matters.

These enhancements are another step towards elevating the passenger journey and reinforcing KLIA’s position as a world-class gateway.” — Abd Hasman Abd Muhimin, Senior General Manager for Passenger Experience, KLIA

One thing worth noting if your ride is running late: drivers are still limited to a maximum of 10 minutes at the kerbside, with penalty charges imposed on those who overstay. The new lounges may make waiting more comfortable, but the clock is still ticking, so it is best to be ready when your driver arrives.

Read more of our articles below!