Indonesia AirAsia has resumed direct Jakarta – Kota Kinabalu flights from 6th February, their first international route in 2024. This service is the only direct flight from Jakarta to Kota Kinabalu, known as the ‘Land Below the Wind.
Speaking in Kota Kinabalu after the inaugural flight landed, Indonesia AirAsia’s Director Flight Operations Capt. Wuri Septiawan said the airline is dedicated to enhancing the tourism and economic sectors of both countries.
…. Indonesia AirAsia is extending its flight connectivity for international routes. The opening of this route also signifies our support to the government in enhancing the relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia.
He added that Kota Kinabalu, with its tremendous tourism potential, is an extraordinary destination, and AirAsia is committed to delivering an exceptional travel experience to their passengers. Kota Kinabalu is the fifth destination for direct flights from Jakarta to Malaysia by Indonesia AirAsia, following the successful launches of Jakarta-Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta-Johor Bahru, Jakarta-Penang, and Jakarta-Kuching routes. In addition, the direct routing will simplify access for tourists from Indonesia and Malaysia and reduces prices, as traveller will no longer have to make a stopover.
The inaugural flight, QZ 526, departed from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), landing safely at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) at 3:55 PM local time, where it was greeted with a water salute. Cabin crew and pilots on duty were also presented with traditional Sabah necklaces to commemorate the occasion.
On this momentous occasion, Capt. Wuri Septiawan, Director Flight Operations of Indonesia AirAsia along with Indonesia AirAsia Allstars were welcomed by Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah & Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board; Josie Lai, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah; Jamilah Abd Halim, Deputy Director of ASEAN Division, Tourism Malaysia; Rafail Walangitan, Consul General Indonesia in Sabah.
…. We are delighted to welcome Indonesia AirAsia’s inaugural flight to Kota Kinabalu. This initiative not only strengthens the relationship between the countries but also opens up new opportunities in the tourism, cultural, and economic sectors. With this new route, we hope to welcome more Indonesian tourists to enjoy and experience the unique attractions and charming natural beauty of Sabah.Christina Liew, Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment.
Kota Kinabalu, often referred to as “KK,” is a culturally diverse city with stunning natural beauty, ranging from museums and beaches to the highest mountain in Malaysia. Standing at 4,095 meters above sea level, tourists can challenge themselves to reach the summit of Mount Kinabalu and witness the sunrise. Other popular tourist spots in Sabah include Tanjung Aru Beach, Sabah State Museum, Mari Mari Cultural Village, Atkinson Clock Tower, Gaya Street Sunday Market, KK Waterfront, and Tanjung Aru Perdana Park.
Data from Statistics Indonesia reveals that Malaysian tourists ranked first among the most foreign visitors to Indonesia in 2023, totaling 16,28% or 1,901,242 tourists. Similarly, records from the Sabah Immigration Department during January – November 2023 show that Indonesian tourists ranked third, with 78,693 foreign visitors to Sabah.
Indonesia AirAsia’s direct Jakarta – Kota Kinabalu route is also expected to contribute significantly to the government’s efforts to increase the number of foreign tourists visiting Indonesia. This aligns with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy’s new goal of welcoming 14.3 million international visitors in 2024, representing a substantial 68% increase from the previous target of 8,5 million in 2023.
Indonesia AirAsia Jakarta (CGK) – Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
| Route | Flight No | Departure | Arrival | First flight | Days of service |
| Jakarta (CGK) – Kota Kinabalu (BKI) | QZ 526 | 12:15 (12.15pm) | 15:55 (3.55pm) | 6th February 2024 | Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday |
| Kota Kinabalu (BKI) – Jakarta (CGK) | QZ 527 | 16:35 (4.35pm) | 18:15 (6.15pm) |
All times are local. Jakarta time is 1 hr behind Kota Kinabalu
Tickets for the Jakarta (CGK) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI) route are now available for purchase through the Airasia MOVE app, website, AirAsia Travel & Service Center (ATSC), online travel agencies, and other authorized ticket sales agents. For group reservations of 10 or more individuals, prospective passengers can contact AirAsia’s Group Desk. *Terms and conditions apply.
Stay informed about the latest news, activities, and promotions from Indonesia AirAsia by following their official social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Before you leave, don’t forget to check the latest government travel requirements.
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