Sabah: Sabah is adopting a more adaptive approach to its tourism outlook as global aviation conditions continue to shift due to geopolitical tensions, rising costs, and changes in airline capacity. Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said tourism planning for the state would be guided by a flexible framework that allows continuous assessment of global development, particularly those affecting air connectivity and international travel demand.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the minister highlighted the impact of these changes on airline capacity, citing route suspensions and reduced frequencies that are affecting connectivity into Kota Kinabalu. He emphasized the importance of closely monitoring these developments to ensure that tourism planning remains responsive. Among the affected routes is AirAsia's temporary suspension of the Singapore-Kota Kinabalu route from May 13 to November 30. Other routes facing suspensions include the Jakarta-Kota Kinabalu route from April 16 to May 21, and the Ho Chi Minh-Kota Kinabalu route beginning July 1. Additionally, Batik Air has suspended its Seoul-Kota Kinabalu route effective April 28, and domestically, AirAsia will temporarily suspend its Sibu-Kota Kinabalu and Bintulu-Kota Kinabalu routes from June 8 to June 30.
Jafry noted that these developments reflect broader external factors that may influence visitor arrivals and overall connectivity trends. He explained that arrival performance planning is based on scenario-based assessments that consider different operating environments, including prolonged external disruptions, a stabilizing baseline, and potential recovery in airline capacity.
Despite these challenges, Jafry reported that as of March, arrivals are still on track towards the original target of four million, although targets may be revised depending on real-time developments in airline connectivity and market conditions. This approach is supported by continuous market intelligence, research, and industry engagement led by the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), including coordination with airline partners to strengthen connectivity planning and support decision-making on tourism strategy.
He also shared preliminary statistics indicating that Sabah recorded 932,970 arrivals up to March 2026, comprising 537,317 domestic and 395,653 international visitors. The ministry, along with STB, will continue to engage with airline partners and industry stakeholders to enhance connectivity and improve accessibility into Sabah, underscoring the need for adaptability and responsiveness in the current environment.