AirAsia Launches Kota Kinabalu-Fukuoka Route via Taipei Starting 15 August

3 June 2025

KOTA KINABALU: AirAsia Malaysia (flight code AK) has announced a major boost to Sabah’s international connectivity with the launch of a new daily fifth-freedom route linking Kota Kinabalu to Fukuoka, Japan via Taipei, starting 15 August.

AirAsia Malaysia Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Captain Fareh Mazputra, said the new route reflects the airline’s ongoing commitment to enhance regional connectivity and provide more travel options for passengers.

“We are excited to launch this new fifth-freedom flight from Taipei to Fukuoka, marking another significant milestone as we continue to explore new opportunities from our Kota Kinabalu hub,” he said in a statement today.

He added that since the reinstatement of the Kota Kinabalu-Taipei sector three years ago, over 130,000 guests have flown the route, with demand continuing to grow.

“This launch aligns with our vision of connecting people across Asia, enhancing regional connectivity and boosting tourism opportunities.

“With this new route, Sabahans now have more choices and flexibility when travelling to their preferred destinations, while supporting the state government’s vision of positioning Sabah as a top tourism destination,” he said.

The new route also offers greater flexibility for Malaysians planning to explore Japan, providing an alternative to the existing Kuala Lumpur–Fukuoka connection via Don Mueang, Thailand, operated by Thai AirAsia (flight code FD).

To mark the launch, AirAsia is offering promotional all-in one-way fares starting from RM609 for flights from Kota Kinabalu to Fukuoka and from JPY21,390 for the return leg. Bookings are available from today until 8 June, for travel between 15 August 2025 and 29 March 2026 through the AirAsia MOVE app and airasia.com.

With the addition of this route, AirAsia will operate flights to 13 international destinations from the Kota Kinabalu hub, totalling 79 flights weekly.