KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) has welcomed Batik Air’s new direct flights linking Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) and Seoul’s Incheon International Airport.
The thrice-weekly service, which began on Saturday, is seen as strengthening Sabah’s role as a key gateway for South Korean travellers, one of the state’s fastest-growing markets.
STB Deputy Chief Executive Officer Tay Shu Lan said the flights would enhance connectivity and support the economy, adding that a roadshow with 11 travel partners will be held in Korea next week to further promote Sabah.
Tourism Malaysia Deputy Director General (Promotion II) Samuel Lee Tai Hung said Sabah received nearly 103,060 South Korean arrivals between January and July this year, with one in three Korean visitors to Malaysia choosing the state.
Batik Air’s Head of Communications and Promotions Suresh Vanan said the airline currently operates the route three times a week but is confident of increasing it to daily flights in the future.
