Direct air connectivity between India and Sabah is under review as a potential economic catalyst, according to the High Commission of India in Malaysia. Acting High Commissioner Hitesh Rajpal and Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai met on 18 June 2026 to discuss establishing non-stop flights to boost tourism, trade, and film production between the two regions.
Why Direct Flights Could Reshape Sabah’s Tourism Market
Current travel logistics act as a bottleneck for Indian visitors, as there are no direct flights between Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) and any Indian city. According to data from the Sabah Tourism Board, travelers currently rely on transit hubs in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, or Brunei. This adds significant time to the journey, often turning a six-hour flight into a full day of travel. Hitesh Rajpal stated that improved air links are essential to capture a larger share of the outbound Indian travel market, which has seen increased demand following Malaysia’s implementation of visa-free entry for Indian passport holders.
Tracking the Growth of Indian Visitor Arrivals
Sabah is seeing a steady, albeit gradual, increase in interest from the Indian market. Official figures from the Sabah Tourism Board show 11,282 Indian visitors arrived in the state throughout 2025. Data for the first four months of 2026 recorded 3,802 arrivals, suggesting a trajectory that could surpass the previous year’s total if current trends hold. Joniston Bangkuai noted that the state is actively pursuing stronger links to convert this interest into sustained growth, viewing India’s large population as a key pillar for future tourism diversification.
Expanding Beyond Tourism: Trade and Film Production
The collaboration between India and Sabah extends beyond passenger travel into the technology and creative sectors. Hitesh Rajpal highlighted that the Indian government prioritizes international engagement in trade and technology, areas where Sabah seeks to align its own economic priorities. Furthermore, the Sabah Tourism Board is positioning the state as a destination for Indian film crews. Joniston Bangkuai confirmed that the board provides ground support, logistics, and coordination with local authorities to simplify the filming process for international productions, aiming to leverage the global reach of the Indian cinema industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any direct flights from India to Kota Kinabalu?
No. According to current flight timetable data, there are no direct commercial flights operating between India and Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI).
What is the fastest way to travel from India to Sabah?
The most common route involves flying to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and connecting to a domestic flight to Kota Kinabalu. Major carriers on these routes include Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia.
How many Indian tourists visited Sabah recently?
Sabah recorded 11,282 Indian visitor arrivals in 2025, with 3,802 arrivals reported between January and April 2026, according to the Sabah Tourism Board.
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