The new Tawau airport, situated 31 Km away from the city was officially opened in December 2001. With a runway length of 3000 metres, the airport can accommodate Airbus aircraft. The new 10,000 sq metre terminal is equipped with facilities and services to cater to the increasing number of tourists destined to Pulau Sipadan and other attractive marine and natural parks located nearby Tawau.

 
In 2005, 680,901 passengers passed through the airport with more than 8,500 aircraft movements.