KOTA KINABALU, Sept 13 — Batik Air has launched direct flights between Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) and Incheon International Airport, Seoul in South Korea, strengthening Sabah’s connectivity with a key tourism market.
The inaugural arrival at KKIA today was marked with a ceremonial water salute and a Sabah-style welcome attended by Tourism Malaysia Deputy Director-General (Promotion II) Samuel Lee, Sabah Tourism Board (STB) deputy chief executive officer Tay Shu Lan and Batik Air (Communications and Promotions) head Suresh Vanan.
The thrice-weekly Kota Kinabalu-Incheon flights are on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, while the Incheon-Kota Kinabalu sector runs on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
In a press conference after the ceremony, Lee said demand from the South Korean market remains robust with 336,000 arrivals from South Korea to Malaysia between January and July this year, with 103,060 arrivals to Sabah.
“There is a strong market among South Koreans for Sabah. They like the beaches, golfing and other family leisure activities,” he said.
There are currently 71 flights between Malaysia and South Korea weekly; 35 involve Sabah.
As Malaysia prepares for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, this new route will strengthen connectivity between the two countries and demonstrate its commitment to working with airline partners to enhance Malaysia’s presence in the South Korean market, he said.
Meanwhile, Tay said the new route will attract more South Korean tourists to Sabah, significantly benefitting the state economy and local communities.
“The service is expected to raise hotel occupancy rates, increase dining and retail consumption and up the demand for guided tours and adventure activities across the state,” she said.
