Kota Kinabalu: Sabah is pushing to double or triple daily China Eastern Airlines flights between Shanghai and Kota Kinabalu, while also exploring a direct Beijing to Kota Kinabalu route, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said.
“Shanghai is already an important gateway to Sabah. Increasing the frequency to double or even triple daily services would provide greater capacity and flexibility for travellers.”Jafry raised the plans during a courtesy visit to China Eastern Airlines’ office in Shanghai, where he met Yang Chun Fei, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales.
He said stronger direct air connectivity was crucial as Sabah prepares for Visit Sabah 2027.
“A direct Beijing to Kota Kinabalu route would open another major gateway and further strengthen Sabah’s connectivity with China. Our focus is clear, more direct connections, stronger frequencies and easier access to Sabah.”Jafry said better connectivity would create opportunities across the tourism industry, from hotels and tour operators to restaurants, attractions and local businesses.
“We will continue working closely with our airline partners to strengthen existing routes, increase capacity and open new gateways into Sabah.”China remained Sabah’s main growth driver, recording 578,681 arrivals in the first eight months of 2026, a 21.6 per cent increase compared with the same period last year.
China Eastern had operated up to three daily Shanghai to Kota Kinabalu services during the 2026 peak summer travel period.
Also present at the meeting were the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai and representatives from the Sabah Tourism Board.
