Spring Airlines Shanghai Kota Kinabalu flight news: The Chinese airline has resumed a direct daily service on 28th January 2026, a move that significantly strengthens air connectivity between Malaysia and one of China’s key economic hubs.
The launch of this daily direct service between Shanghai and Kota Kinabalu marks an important milestone in enhancing international access to Sabah and is expected to further stimulate visitor arrivals from China to the Land Below the Wind.
“This new air link serves as a direct bridge for discovery between Malaysia and one of China’s most vital economic zones. This expansion aligns strongly with Malaysia’s strategic efforts to attract more Chinese visitors, particularly following the implementation of visa-free entry for Chinese citizens,” said Mr Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia.
Kota Kinabalu national park
Kota Kinabalu continues to strengthen its position as a premier tropical destination for the Chinese market. Supported by direct flights from major cities such as Shanghai, the city offers an accessible and time-efficient option for short holidays and family travel. As the gateway to Mount Kinabalu and several UNESCO-recognised sites, Sabah presents immersive nature-based experiences ranging from lush rainforests to vibrant coral reefs, appealing strongly to China’s growing eco-tourism and adventure travel segments. The nearby Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park further enhances this appeal, offering snorkelling and diving experiences that are particularly popular among younger, social-media-savvy travellers.
This accessibility is reinforced by Sabah’s expanding network of direct international air services, which play a crucial role not only in facilitating leisure travel but also in strengthening tourism promotion and people-to-people exchanges between Sabah and China. At present, Sabah enjoys direct scheduled flights from a wide range of Chinese cities, including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Beijing, Kunming, Ningbo, Fuzhou and Shantou. Operated by leading carriers such as AirAsia and Xiamen Airlines, these routes offer frequencies ranging from several weekly services to daily operations, ensuring seamless connectivity for travellers.
Kota Kinabalu national park
China remains one of Malaysia’s key source markets, with visitor arrivals reaching 4.7 million in 2025, representing a 25.1 per cent year-on-year increase. Recognising that enhanced air connectivity is a primary driver of this growth, Tourism Malaysia continues to work closely with airlines and trade partners in China to promote curated itineraries showcasing Malaysia’s diverse attractions, rich culinary heritage and renowned hospitality.
Aligned with the objectives of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), the resumption of this route represents a strategic step in boosting inbound arrivals and reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination for Chinese travellers. Through continued cooperation with industry partners such as Spring Airlines, Malaysia is well positioned to increase international visitor numbers and achieve the ambitious targets set under VM2026.
