KOTA KINABALU: A new gateway from Chongqing, China, to Sabah was launched with the arrival of Chongqing Airlines’ inaugural service, linking the southwestern Chinese city to Kota Kinabalu in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026.
The direct flight, Flight OQ2193, landed at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) at 11.15pm, marking the start of a three-time weekly service operating every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
The aircraft was accorded a water cannon salute upon arrival at the airport, coordinated by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), while Sabah Tourism Board (STB) hosted a cultural welcome and presented souvenirs to 154 passengers.
China Southern Airlines Kuala Lumpur office general manager Guo Hao said the opening of the Chongqing-Kota Kinabalu air route will shortens the spatial and temporal distance between the two cities.
He said this will provide a new channel for Chongqing residents to travel to South-East Asia for tourism, business negotiations and cultural exchanges.
“As the capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu is renowned for its rich island tourism resources and unique tropical scenery, making it a favourite destination among Chinese tourists,” Guo said.
Chongqing Airlines is a subsidiary of China Southern Airlines.
Also present to welcome the flight and passengers were STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit and Tourism Malaysia Sabah director Har-yanty Abu Bakar.
With the addition of Chongqing, Sabah is now connected to several key cities in China, including Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou and Fuzhou, further strengthening its position in the China market.
The launch of this route signals Sabah’s rising profile as a travel destination and the state’s commitment to enhancing air connectivity, supporting Malay-sia’s broader tourism goals for 2026.
STB said it will continue collaborating with airline partners and industry stakeholders to develop more routes, further improving international access into the state while ensuring a seamless arrival experience for visitors.
