Connecting Sabah’s East Coast: STAN Urges Direct Sandakan–Singapore Flights

14 March 2026

SANDAKAN: The Sandakan Tourism Association (STAN) is calling for renewed consideration of direct flights between Sandakan and Singapore.

This initiative aims to bolster Sabah’s tourism resilience and diversify international access routes amid changing global aviation conditions.

STAN President Teo Chee Kim emphasised the importance of establishing a direct air link between Sandakan and Singapore, which would offer a strategic and timely alternative route for international visitors.

Singapore is a major aviation hub, providing extensive connectivity to Europe, North America, and other key markets.

A direct Sandakan–Singapore connection would offer a more stable and reliable transit option for international travellers, particularly Europeans, and improve accessibility to Sandakan and Sabah’s east coast. It would also position Sandakan as a gateway to Borneo’s unique wildlife and ecotourism attractions, supporting the growth of the local tourism industry.

Teo explained that many long-haul visitors to Sabah, especially Sandakan, come from Europe, Australia, and North America, often relying on major hubs such as Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi before reaching Southeast Asia. He added, “The current geopolitical situation in the Middle East has heightened concerns over potential disruptions, longer travel times, and uncertainties. Recent developments, including regional airspace disruptions, highlight the urgency of diversifying travel routes into Southeast Asia.”

For destinations like Sandakan that involve multi-leg journeys, alternative gateways are crucial to ensure travel continuity and boost visitor confidence.

Currently, Sandakan receives around 90 domestic flights weekly, mainly connecting with Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur. International travellers often face multiple connections before reaching Sandakan.

Singapore’s extensive airport network offers long-haul links to Europe, Australia, and North America, providing a reliable alternative transit gateway.

Establishing a direct Sandakan–Singapore route would strengthen connectivity by linking the destination with one of Asia’s largest aviation hubs.

“We’re not just looking at direct traffic between Singapore and Sandakan,” said Teo, “but also recognising the huge potential of transit passenger markets via this route.”

Sabah Tourism Board’s latest figures show strong recovery and growth in 2025, with European arrivals, Sandakan’s main source market, increasing significantly—UK & Ireland by 26.6%, France by 38.7%, Italy by 38.5%, and Spain by 115.6%.

Passenger traffic at Sandakan Airport reached approximately 1.18 million in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, indicating promising potential for a Sandakan–Singapore route.

“Enhanced air connectivity will be vital in ensuring Sandakan’s continued growth as a premier wildlife and ecotourism destination, while reinforcing Sabah’s position in the global tourism network.”

“STAN remains dedicated to collaborating with industry partners and authorities to strengthen Sandakan’s international connectivity, ensuring the destination remains accessible, resilient, and welcoming to visitors worldwide.”