The site of Sandakan Airport was first identified by the British Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II as a potential location for a military airfield.

Approximately 1,500 British and Australian prisoners of war (POWs) were transported from Singapore to Sandakan and, along with local and Javanese laborers, built a 1,400-meter (4,593 feet) runway on challenging tufa soil.

[6][7] Following World War II, the airfield, originally constructed by the Japanese, was repurposed for civilian use to aid in the post-war reconstruction of Sandakan and the wider North Borneo region, later known as Sabah.

Malayan Airways commenced regular flights to Sandakan, connecting the town with Singapore with stopovers in Kuching, Sibu, Labuan and Jesselton.

The airline initially operated Douglas DC-3 aircraft, and the airport became the terminus for eastbound flights across British Borneo, integrating Sandakan into the regional air transport network.

[9] International flights at Sandakan Airport also began with Cathay Pacific operating services between Hong Kong, Manila, Jesselton and Labuan.

Significant infrastructure upgrades, including runway extensions and terminal improvements, supported the increased capacity needed to handle rising passenger and cargo traffic, further strengthening the airport’s connectivity and role in regional economic development.

[18] The airport’s international reach expanded in 2019 when RB Link, Royal Brunei Airlines regional subsidiary, began operating flights to Bandar Seri Begawan.

By 2023, Philippines AirAsia expressed interest in developing a Philippines-Sandakan route, potentially from Manila or other airports such as Davao, Puerto Princesa or Zamboanga.

[23] These enhancements have strengthened Sandakan Airport’s capacity to accommodate increased passenger and cargo traffic, supporting regional tourism and economic activities.