Sabah has strengthened its connectivity to China with the launch of a new direct air link between Chongqing and Kota Kinabalu, marking a significant addition to the state’s growing international network.
Operated by Chongqing Airlines, the new route runs three times weekly, positioning Kota Kinabalu as an increasingly accessible gateway for travellers from southwestern China. The service is expected to support both leisure and business travel flows, particularly in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026.
With Chongqing now on the map, Sabah is directly connected to eight major Chinese cities, reinforcing its standing as a key Southeast Asian destination for the China market.
Beyond enhancing travel convenience, the route shortens journey time between the two cities and opens up new opportunities for tourism, trade and cultural exchange. For travellers, it offers more seamless access to Sabah’s island landscapes and nature-driven experiences, long a draw for Chinese visitors.
The addition reflects Sabah’s ongoing push to expand air connectivity through strategic airline partnerships, improving international access while supporting broader tourism and economic ambitions.