Sabah’s push to boost tourist arrivals received a lift with the launch of a direct service from Chongqing to Kota Kinabalu, which brought in 154 passengers on Thursday.
The flight, operated by Chongqing Airlines, a subsidiary of China Southern Airlines, makes Chongqing the eighth Chinese city with direct links to Kota Kinabalu.
The others are Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou and Fuzhou.
The inaugural flight OQ2193 landed at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) at 11.15pm. The service operates three times weekly — Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays — in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026.
The aircraft was greeted with a water cannon salute coordinated by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB).
Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit, Tourism Malaysia Sabah director Haryanty Abu Bakar, and China Southern Airlines Kuala Lumpur office general manager Guo Hao welcomed passengers with goodie bags.
Guo said the new route shortens travel time and provides greater access for Chongqing residents to Southeast Asia for tourism, business and cultural exchanges.
He said Kota Kinabalu remains a popular destination among Chinese travellers due to its island attractions and tropical scenery.
The new service reflects Sabah’s efforts to strengthen air connectivity and support Malaysia’s tourism targets for 2026.
STB will continue working with airline partners and industry players to expand international routes and improve connectivity into the state.
