After a hiatus of three years, AirAsia has reinstated its direct flights from Hangzhou in China to Kota Kinabalu.
Flight AK1575 received a warm welcome upon its arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, where Sabah Tourism Board (STB) CEO Noredah Othman and senior tourism and airline officials greeted passengers with a traditional Sabah welcome on Sunday, September 3.
AirAsia enhancing connectivity
Throughout September 2023, AirAsia will operate these flights with a thrice-weekly frequency, with plans to further increase the frequency to four times weekly from October 2023 to March 2024.
This strategic move aims to facilitate travel between the two cities, providing convenience during this peak travel season.
AirAsia Malaysia’s CEO, Riad Asmat, expressed the airline’s commitment to supporting Sabah’s tourism industry. He highlighted AirAsia’s dedication to expanding its flight network across Asia and beyond to contribute to the region’s flourishing tourism sector.
Key markets and affordability
AirAsia recognises the significance of both Sabah and China as key markets. The airline is confident that the enhanced connectivity between these destinations will enable them to offer cost-effective travel options to a broader range of travellers.
Between September 4 and 10, 2023, travellers can enjoy a 20% discount on all seats to several Chinese destinations, including Chengdu, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Guilin, Shantou, Nanning, as well as other Asian cities like Taipei, Kaohsiung, Macao, and Hong Kong. These discounted fares apply to travel between October 11, 2023, and March 31, 2024.
AirAsia’s decision to resume direct flights between Hangzhou and Kota Kinabalu marks a significant development for Sabah’s tourism industry. This move not only enhances connectivity between the two cities but also signifies AirAsia’s commitment to supporting the region’s growth.