Historic First as Sabah Welcomes Shenzhen–Tawau Charter Flights

6 December 2025

TAWAU: Sabah today welcomed a Loong Air charter flight from Shenzhen to Tawau, carrying 143 passengers and marking the first time an international airline has operated direct services into Tawau.

Jointly chartered by Shenzhen Kanghui Travel Service Co. Ltd. and Huan Ya Holidays, a subsidiary of Guangzhou Hailang International Travel Service Co. Ltd., the charter series operates on 6, 10, 14 and 18 December to meet strong year-end travel demand from southern China.

All flights depart from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport.

Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Dr Andi MD Shamsureezal Mohd Sainal, was present at Tawau Airport to welcome the arriving passengers, underscoring the state’s commitment to strengthening ties with the China market.

“We are pleased to welcome visitors from China, and even within a short charter series, the interest shown in Sabah, particularly Semporna’s world-class marine environment and high-end island resorts, has been very encouraging."

We value this cooperation with our China travel partners and look forward to expanding opportunities that support Sabah’s tourism growth,” he said.

According to Sabah Tourism Board (STB) research data, China remained Sabah’s largest international source market with 534,975 arrivals from January to September 2025, demonstrating strong momentum and surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

Currently, Sabah is connected to seven Chinese cities via Kota Kinabalu: Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou and Fuzhou.

STB Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit said the Shenzhen–Tawau charter series complements the Board’s efforts to reinforce Sabah’s presence in the China market.

“These flights provide valuable insights into demand from southern China as we refine strategies for 2026. STB will continue working closely with travel agents and airlines to enhance connectivity and ensure Sabah remains visible and competitive."

" Semporna remains a firm favourite for diving and island tourism, and initiatives such as this create meaningful opportunities for local operators,” he said.

The charter series is expected to bring more than 1,300 visitors to Tawau and Semporna.

Their itineraries include stays at premium island resorts and overwater villas such as Kapalai Water Villas, Mataking Reef Resort, Mabul Water Bungalows, White Sands Resort, Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort, Pom Pom Island Resort and other high-end marine properties.

Many travellers will also stay in Semporna town to enjoy its renowned seafood cuisine and embark on island-hopping tours to Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking, Pom Pom, Pandanan and the surrounding marine park islands.

Shenzhen Kanghui Travel Service Co. Ltd. General Manager Wang Tao said the charter series reflects strong and growing demand for Semporna.

“Semporna continues to attract Chinese travellers. Malaysia’s stable environment, visa-free arrangement and diverse tourism offerings make it a natural choice for this charter service,” he said.

Huan Ya Holidays Chief Executive Officer Liao Lina noted that the company has promoted Malaysia tourism for over 20 years and has operated in Tawau and Semporna for 16 years.

“We are committed to providing quality travel services. Through close cooperation with local resorts and agencies, we have ensured strong support for this charter programme.

Following the Shenzhen series, we plan to introduce a year-round Hong Kong–Tawau charter service in 2026,” she said.

The initiative supports Sabah’s wider efforts to boost international arrivals and strengthens STB’s mission to expand market access and visibility abroad as the state prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026.