Revival of Fuzhou-Kota Kinabalu route by Xiamen Airlines will strengthen Sabah tourism, says Liew

Flight MF8649 from Fuzhou to Kota Kinabalu on Thursday (June 27) was welcomed with a water salute ceremony at Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

KOTA KINABALU: Xiamen Airlines resumed its Fuzhou-Kota Kinabalu route on Thursday (June 27), a move that is expected to strengthen Sabah's tourism sector and provide another accessible gateway for Chinese tourists to visit the state.

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said with this latest addition, Sabah now receives 55 weekly flights from eight cities in China – the rest being Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Beijing, Hong Kong and Wuhan.

In a statement Thursday (June 28), she said 174 passengers arrived here in the reinstated flight, demonstrating the strong demand for this route.

“Sabah Tourism Board and Xiamen Airlines have been working together on the revival of the Fuzhou-Kota Kinabalu route.

“This route will see three weekly flights operating every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.

“Its return marks a pivotal moment for both tourism and business connectivity between Fuzhou and Kota Kinabalu, enhancing travel convenience and promoting greater cultural and economic exchanges between the two regions.

“We anticipate a positive impact on local businesses and the economy," Liew said.