New Beijing-Kota Kinabalu route on the cards as China Eastern eyes more Sabah flights

China Eastern eyes up to three daily Shanghai-Kota Kinabalu flights. — Unsplash pic

First Published: Wednesday, 23 Sep 2026 12:58 PM MYT

SHANGHAI, Sept 23 — China Eastern Airlines plans to increase its Shanghai-Kota Kinabalu services to double or even triple daily flights, while exploring a direct Beijing-Kota Kinabalu route.

The plans were discussed during a courtesy visit by Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin to China Eastern Airlines’ office in Shanghai on Tuesday, where he met Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales Yang Chun Fei.

Also present were Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai and representatives from the Sabah Tourism Board.

Jafry welcomed the plans, saying stronger direct air connectivity was crucial as Sabah prepared for Visit Sabah 2027, adding that increased frequencies would provide greater capacity and flexibility for travellers.

He said a direct Beijing-Kota Kinabalu route would open another major gateway and further strengthen Sabah’s connectivity with China, which recorded 578,681 arrivals in the first eight months of 2026, up 21.6 per cent from the same period last year, while China Eastern operated up to three daily Shanghai-Kota Kinabalu services during the 2026 peak summer travel period. — Daily Express

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin (centre) receives a memento from China Eastern Airlines (Sales & Marketing) Senior Vice President Yang Chun Fei (left). — Daily Express pic