The inaugural flight departed from Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 11:45 a.m. and landed at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City at 12:55 p.m., with a 96% occupancy rate. The inaugural flight marked the 16th international flight operated by AirAsia Malaysia (code AK) from Kota Kinabalu.

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Mr. Julinus Jeffery Jimit - General Director of Sabah Tourism Authority (third from left), with the crew on the inaugural flight from Kota Kinabalu to Ho Chi Minh City. Source: AirAsia

AirAsia's new route aims to contribute to Tourism Malaysia's overall tourism development strategy to welcome 27.3 million international visitors by 2024 and prepare for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

AirAsia's new strategy in the Vietnamese market is also in line with Vietnam's goal of welcoming 17-18 million international visitors this year, especially when entering the peak season of welcoming international visitors in the fourth quarter.

Datuk Seri Christina Liew, Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, said the launch of the Kota Kinabalu - Ho Chi Minh City route marks a significant milestone in enhancing Sabah’s air connectivity within the Southeast Asian region. She said: “This new connection represents a significant step forward in Sabah’s efforts to expand its footprint in the ASEAN region. I appreciate AirAsia’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and supporting Sabah to become a leading tourism destination in Southeast Asia.”

Mr. Julinus Jeffery Jimit, General Manager of Sabah Tourism Authority, said: “Ho Chi Minh City is a very familiar city to Sabahans, and this new route will open up more opportunities for Vietnamese tourists to explore Sabah’s beautiful natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, as well as the growing potential for medical and wellness tourism. With improved accessibility, Sabah Tourism Authority will step up efforts to promote this route and showcase the best of Sabah.”

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Ground staff at Tan Son Nhat International Airport welcome AirAsia's first direct flight from Kota Kinabalu to Ho Chi Minh City. Source: AirAsia

“The launch of this new route underlines our commitment to enhance regional connectivity while providing affordable and convenient travel experiences to our customers,” said Paul Carroll, Chief Commercial Officer of AirAsia Aviation Group. “Vietnam has always been an important market for AirAsia, and the new route from Kota Kinabalu adds depth to our network. This route not only enhances the tourism potential of both Sabah and Vietnam, but also supports trade and economic development in the region.”

Currently, AirAsia is operating 93 weekly flights to and from Vietnam, offering more than 1 million seats from 2023, thereby strengthening Vietnam's role as an important regional connectivity hub.

Bich Dao