KOTA KINABALU: AirAsia Malaysia continues to expand routes to and from Sabah through Kota Kinabalu International Airport, with the latest flight to Fukuoka, Japan, via Taipei (short layover).
This launch of their brand new fifth-freedom route from the airline’s second-largest hub of Kota Kinabalu will start flying daily from Aug 15, further underscoring AirAsia’s commitment to expand its Kota Kinabalu hub.
Datuk Captain Fareh Mazputra, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AirAsia Malaysia said this exciting launch marked another significant milestone as they continue to explore new opportunities from the Kota Kinabalu hub.
Since reinstating the Kota Kinabalu-Taipei route three years ago, AirAsia has flown more than 130,000 passengers, and the numbers continue to grow, he said.
This launch aligns with their vision of connecting people across Asia, enhancing regional connectivity and boosting tourism opportunities, he added.
“With this new route, Sabahans now have more choices and flexibility when travelling to their preferred destinations, while supporting the state government’s vision of positioning Sabah as a top tourism destination,” said Fareh.
“We remain committed to facilitating air travel for everyone through enhanced connectivity, convenience and accessibility,” he said.
In celebration of the launch, AirAsia is offering special promotional fares for flights from Kota Kinabalu to Fukuoka starting from just RM609 one-way, whereas flights from Fukuoka to Kota Kinabalu are also available from JPY21,390 (RM635) one-way.
Guests can book their flights from today until June 8, 2025, for travel between Aug 15, 2025 and March 29, 2026, available on the AirAsia MOVE app and airasia.com.
Taipei is one of AirAsia’s key virtual hubs within its extensive network.
The new route provides more flexibility for Malaysians looking to explore more destinations in Japan, offering an alternative to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Fukuoka via Don Mueang (Thailand), operated by Thai AirAsia (flight code FD).
Fukuoka is a popular destination in Japan where tradition meets modernity, with the city renowned for its iconic Tonkotsu ramen, serving as a paradise for foodies.
It is also the best go-to destination for nature lovers, as the city offers tranquillity for a perfect getaway trip; stroll through the Ohori Park or the Fukuoka Castle and immerse yourself in the city’s rich history.
From Aug 15, AirAsia will operate flights to 13 international destinations across Asia from the Kota Kinabalu hub, with a total of 79 flights weekly, solidifying the city’s position as Malaysia’s second-largest hub.
According to AirAsia, all-in fares are quoted for one-way travel only, including passenger service charge, regulatory service charges, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees with terms and conditions applied.
