Overview — Malaysia’s Growing Aviation Employment Sector
Malaysia’s aviation industry is booming again in 2025 as passenger traffic surpasses pre-pandemic levels. Major hubs such as Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Penang International Airport (PEN), Senai International Airport (JHB), and Langkawi International Airport (LGK) are hiring aggressively for ground staff, cargo handlers, security officers, customer service agents, and maintenance crews.
Both Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and private operators like AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, DHL Aviation, and POS Aviation have opened fresh intakes for local and international applicants. Salary packages range between MYR 3,000 to 9,000 per month, depending on role and shift duties.
Most In-Demand Airport Job Roles (2025)
- Baggage Handler / Ramp Agent: Load and unload aircraft baggage, operate tugs, ensure flight on-time performance.
- Ground Service Agent: Boarding gate, ticketing, check-in assistance, and passenger coordination.
- Airport Security Officer: Screening passengers, X-ray operation, and safety surveillance under CAAM rules.
- Cargo & Warehouse Operator: Freight documentation, scanning, forklift operations, and sorting.
- Aircraft Cleaner / Cabin Attendant: Turnaround cleaning, waste removal, and catering support.
- Maintenance & GSE Technician: Ground Support Equipment operation and airfield maintenance.
- Customer Service Executive: Airline desk, complaint handling, and VIP lounge assistance.
- Airfield Operations & Safety: Runway inspection, wildlife hazard management, apron control.
- Administration & HR: Scheduling, permits, payroll, vendor coordination.
Eligibility & Qualification Criteria
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Minimum SPM / Diploma / Degree (as per job level) |
| Experience | Freshers for entry jobs; 2–5 years for supervisory roles |
| Language | Fluency in English and Bahasa Malaysia |
| Physical Fitness | Ability to lift 20–30 kg; medical clearance for airside access |
| Shift Timings | 24×7 roster; overtime and night differential pay |
| Security Pass | Mandatory MAHB Airside Pass & police background check |
Salary Chart — Airport Jobs in Malaysia 2025
| Job Title | Monthly Salary (MYR) | Shift/OT | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baggage Handler / Ramp Agent | 3,000 – 4,800 | Yes | Free transport & meals |
| Ground Staff / Customer Service | 3,500 – 5,500 | Yes | Airline-branded uniform & training |
| Airport Security Officer | 4,000 – 6,000 | Yes | CAAM-certified; overtime paid |
| Cargo / Warehouse Operator | 3,800 – 6,200 | Yes | Includes forklift allowance |
| Aircraft Cleaner / Cabin Crew Support | 3,000 – 4,500 | Yes | Shift meals provided |
| Maintenance / GSE Technician | 4,500 – 7,000 | Yes | Extra pay for licensed trades |
| Airfield Safety Officer | 5,000 – 8,000 | Yes | CAAM safety certification |
| Supervisor / Manager (Ops) | 6,000 – 9,000+ | Yes | Performance bonus eligible |
MYR 3,000 ─ Entry Ground Staff MYR 4,800 ─ Security / Cargo Roles MYR 7,000 ─ Technical / Maintenance MYR 9,000+ ─ Senior Operations & Management
Major Airports Hiring Across Malaysia (2025)
1. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA & KLIA2)
Malaysia’s main hub for Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Batik Air & DHL Aviation. Apply via MAHB Careers, AirAsia Careers, and Malaysia Airlines Careers.
2. Penang International Airport (PEN)
Key regional hub for northern Malaysia — hiring ground staff, loaders, and cargo operators. Apply via MAHB Penang Careers and Menzies Aviation.
3. Senai International Airport (Johor Bahru)
Growing hub for freight and budget carriers. Apply through Senai Airport Careers or airline partners such as AirAsia and Scoot Airlines.
4. Langkawi International Airport (LGK)
Tourism-heavy airport hiring customer service agents, ramp handlers, and cabin cleaners. Apply via MAHB Langkawi Careers.
5. Kota Kinabalu (BKI) & Kuching (KCH)
East Malaysia’s aviation centers for MASwings, cargo, and tourism. Check MASwings Careers and Malaysia Airports Holdings.
Top Employers & Career Links (2025)
| Employer | Category | Apply Link |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) | Airport Operator | careers.malaysiaairports.com.my |
| Malaysia Airlines | National Airline | malaysiaairlines.com |
| AirAsia / AirAsia X | Low-Cost Carrier | careers.airasia.com |
| dnata Malaysia | Ground Handling | dnata.com |
| POS Aviation | Ground & Cargo Handling | posaviation.com.my |
| Menzies Aviation | Ground Services | menziesaviation.com |
| DHL Aviation | Cargo / Logistics | careers.dhl.com |
| CAE Kuala Lumpur | Aviation Training | cae.com |
Where to Apply Online
Career Growth & Training Opportunities
Airport employees can progress from basic ramp or customer service positions to supervisory, operations, or airline management roles within 3–6 years. Aviation training institutions such as CAE KL, Asia Pacific Flight Training Academy, and Malaysia Aviation Academy (MAvA) provide short courses in ground operations, safety, cargo, and customer service, often sponsored by MAHB or airline partners.
High-EPC Tips for Job Seekers
- Apply through official career portals to avoid third-party fees.
- Include skills like ground safety, cargo SOPs, AMHS, and IATA DGR certification in your resume.
- Prepare for interviews covering teamwork, communication, and emergency handling.
- Keep vaccination, police clearance, and work permit (for foreign applicants) ready.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) What Is the Average Salary for Airport Jobs in Malaysia?
Entry-level staff earn around MYR 3,000–4,500/month; skilled or security roles reach MYR 5,000–7,000; and supervisors can exceed MYR 9,000 monthly with OT.
2) Are Jobs Open for Foreigners?
Yes. Many companies hire under Employment Pass (Category III) or Foreign Worker Permits subject to immigration approval.
3) Which City Offers the Most Openings?
Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) leads hiring followed by Penang, Johor Bahru, Langkawi, and Kota Kinabalu.
4) Do Airports Provide Training?
Yes. MAHB and partner airlines offer paid induction covering safety, SOPs, and customer-service excellence.
5) How Can I Boost Selection Chances?
Gain IATA Airport Operations or GHA certifications and maintain a clean background for airside security clearance.