Budget carrier, AirAsia, aims to double guest arrivals in Sabah next year, targeting five million passengers through Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, and Tawau airports, compared to 3.7 million recorded in 2024.

AirAsia Aviation Group CEO, Bo Lingam said the airline’s 2025 growth plans include boosting its network of 27 routes, which consists of 13 domestic and 14 international connections.

“Sabah is integral to AirAsia’s network, and we are proud to be the leading airline connecting the region to Malaysia and key international markets,” he said in Kota Kinabalu, Sunday. 

“Our ambitious 2025 goal of welcoming five million guests reaffirms this commitment.”

The carrier plans to increase flights by 35 per cent to over 51,500 annually and expand seat capacity by 43 per cent.

AirAsia played a significant role in helping Sabah achieve its three-million visitor milestone in 2024, with Lingam saying these efforts would continue to support the state’s connectivity and tourism sector.

“Our growth in Sabah would not be possible without the impactful collaborations we have built with the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) and industry partners,” Lingam added.

The airline is also holding a series of roadshows across Sabah to strengthen partnerships and explore investments in tourism infrastructure to improve travel experiences. – January 14, 2025.