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RMAF Butterworth Air Base (IATA: BWH, ICAO: WMKB) is a Royal Malaysian Air Force base located in Butterworth, Penang, on the mainland opposite Penang Island. Originally developed as a Royal Australian Air Force base (RAAF Butterworth) until 1988, it now serves primarily military operations with limited civilian use. Its strategic location near the Butterworth Ferry Terminal and railway station makes it a key transport node in the region.
💡 Local Tip
Frequent visitors know that security is tight due to the military nature of the base; always carry your ID and avoid photographing any military installations. For a quick bite, the nearby Butterworth hawker centers offer excellent local food, especially the char kway teow.
🚖 Getting There
The airport is about 2 km from Butterworth town center and 3 km from the ferry terminal. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are the most convenient options. Public buses (e.g., Rapid Penang) also serve the area, but check schedules in advance as they can be infrequent.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is RMAF Butterworth a civilian airport?
A: No, it is primarily a military airbase operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force. Civilian flights are very limited or non-existent; most commercial traffic uses Penang International Airport (PEN).
Q: What is the history of RMAF Butterworth?
A: The base was originally built by the British and later served as a Royal Australian Air Force base from the 1950s until 1988, when it was handed over to Malaysia. It has since been a key RMAF facility.
Q: How do I get to RMAF Butterworth from Penang Island?
A: Take the ferry from George Town to Butterworth, then a short taxi or ride-hailing ride to the base. Alternatively, drive across the Penang Bridge and follow signs to Butterworth.
Q: Are there any scheduled passenger flights at BWH?
A: Currently, there are no regular commercial passenger flights. The airport is used for military, training, and occasional charter operations.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 30, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash