Kota Kinabalu: Airlines are significantly expanding capacity on the Shanghai-Kota Kinabalu route ahead of the peak summer season, driven by rising travel demand from China, one of Sabah’s key international source markets.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the increased flight capacity reflects strong market momentum and sustained demand from Chinese travellers.
“The continued expansion of air services shows clear confidence in Sabah as a preferred destination for Chinese travellers. It also reflects the positive trajectory of our tourism recovery and growth,” he said.
From July 1 to Oct 7, Spring Airlines will operate charter services on the Shanghai-Kota Kinabalu route, with an estimated 99 charter flights scheduled during the period.
Scheduled services between Shanghai and Kota Kinabalu, operated by China Eastern, will increase to twice daily from July 1 to Oct 9.
During the peak summer travel period from July 16 to Aug 31, frequencies will rise further to three services daily, bringing the estimated total to more than 120 flights over the period.
As of June 15, the route was already served by 14 weekly scheduled flights from Shanghai, operated by AirAsia (seven) and Shanghai Airlines (seven).
Jafry said the expanded capacity is expected to further boost visitor arrivals from China during the peak holiday period while strengthening Sabah’s connectivity to long-haul international markets.
Both China Eastern and Spring Airlines operate extensive international networks beyond China, he noted, with Shanghai serving as a major international transit hub that enhances Sabah’s global accessibility.
Tourism arrivals from China recorded strong growth between January and April this year, with 292,396 visitors compared to 195,147 in the same period last year.
“This growing demand not only strengthens air connectivity but also brings wider economic benefits across the tourism value chain. We will continue to strengthen linkages with China as airlines maintain strong interest in expanding services,” he said.
He added that the Sabah Tourism Board would continue engaging airline partners across other key international markets to support further route development and long-term tourism growth, including preparations for Visit Sabah Year 2027.
