AirAsia will launch a new direct route to Shanghai from its Kota Kinabalu hub as part of its expansion programme. The route will launch on February 20, 2024 and will operate return flights three times a week.
"Beyond expanding our Kota Kinabalu hub, this new international route reinforces our standing as the largest foreign low-cost carrier in China," said AirAsia Aviation Group CEO Bo Lingam. "We eagerly anticipate contributing substantially to the Sabah tourism sector as the state targets 2.8 million tourist arrivals in 2024."
From December 1, 2023 until November 30, 2024, Malaysian citizens are able to visit China under a 15-day visa-free policy. The new route seeks to accommodate and capitalise on the policy.