Question 1

What are the main airlines operating direct flights from Kota Kinabalu International Airport?

Accepted Answer

Several airlines offer direct flights from BKI, including Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Malindo Air, Firefly, and international carriers such as T'Way Air, Jin Air, Jeju Air, Shanghai Airlines, Spring Airlines, and Scoot. This variety of airlines provides travelers with multiple options for scheduling and pricing on popular routes.

Question 2

How many direct flight destinations are available from Kota Kinabalu?

Accepted Answer

Kota Kinabalu International Airport offers direct flights to 31 destinations across Asia and beyond. Major hubs include Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Singapore (SIN), Hong Kong (HKG), Shanghai (PVG), and regional cities like Kuching (KCH) and Penang (PEN), making it well-connected for both business and leisure travelers.

Question 3

What is the best time to book flights from Kota Kinabalu?

Accepted Answer

Booking in advance typically offers better fares, especially for popular routes to regional hubs like Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Consider traveling during shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) to avoid peak tourist periods and potentially secure more competitive prices on direct flights.

Question 4

Do I need a visa to travel from Kota Kinabalu to other Asian destinations?

Accepted Answer

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and destination country. Malaysian citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many regional destinations, while international travelers should check specific requirements for countries like South Korea, China, and Japan before booking their flights from BKI.

Question 5

What should I know about Kota Kinabalu International Airport facilities?

Accepted Answer

BKI is located about 7 kilometers from the city center and serves as a modern international gateway to Sabah. The airport offers standard facilities including dining options, retail shops, and ground transportation services to help you easily connect to your onward destinations.

Destination	Airlines	Duration	Frequency	Distance	Book
🇧🇳 Bandar Seri BegawanBWN	BIRoyal Brunei Airlines	—	11x weekly	166 km	View Flights
🇲🇾 BintuluBTU

Direct flights from Kota Kinabalu

Airlines flying from Kota Kinabalu

AirAsia

Malindo Air

Malaysia Airlines

Firefly

Scoot

Royal Brunei Airlines

Travel guides for Kota Kinabalu

Kuala Lumpur: Southeast Asia's Hidden Aviation Hub

Frequently asked questions

Other airports in Malaysia

Sepang

Penang

Johor Bahru

About flights from Kota Kinabalu (BKI)

Indonesia AirAsia

Philippines AirAsia