SEPANG, 5 December 2023 – AirAsia today reaffirms Kota Kinabalu as its second-largest hub in Malaysia with the launch of its new route connecting Kota Kinabalu to Seoul (Incheon), South Korea. With the addition of Seoul, AirAsia Malaysia (AK) will fly to a total of 18 routes with 282 flights weekly from/to Kota Kinabalu from March 2024 onwards.

The new route will commence operations on 4 March 2024 with daily frequencies, making it even easier for travellers to explore the captivating cultural attractions, scenic beauty, and culinary delights of both destinations with great value fares.

This announcement comes on the heels of an impressive surge in Korean tourists visiting Sabah. According to recent data, Sabah welcomed about 150,000 Korean tourists this year, signalling a significant increase in the number of Korean visitors to the state. In addition, Koreans have now become one of Sabah’s top visitors, emphasising their growing interest in the state’s natural beauty and unique cultural experiences.

AirAsia Malaysia CEO, Riad Asmat said: “We are thrilled to be the first Malaysian airline to connect Kota Kinabalu directly to Seoul. This route holds immense potential for both leisure and business travellers, offering them affordable access to two remarkable tourism destinations. The launch of this route also aligns with our vision of connecting communities across Asia, fostering economic growth, and enhancing regional integration.