HONG KONG, 15 July 2025: Following the launch of its Penang and Kuala Lumpur (Subang) routes, HK Express continues its expansion in Malaysia by announcing a new route between Hong Kong and Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, due to start on 27 November.
The airline is scheduling daily flights to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) from its home base at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
Kota Kinabalu is a popular starting point to explore Sabah’s attractions that include the majestic Mount Kinabalu (Malaysia’s highest peak), beaches, designated World Heritage national parks, golf courses and world-class dive sites.
HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao said: “Malaysia has emerged as one of Asia’s most popular travel destinations in recent years, with inbound tourist arrivals surging over 20% year-on-year in the first quarter of this year. Notably, the relaxation of visa policies has significantly boosted arrivals from the Chinese Mainland, now Malaysia’s second-largest international tourist market.
“Seizing this opportunity, HK Express has been actively expanding its Malaysian network since last November. With the addition of Kota Kinabalu to our Penang and the upcoming Kuala Lumpur (Subang)* routes, we now serve three destinations in Malaysia. Moving forward, we remain committed to offering competitive fares and diverse value-added services, empowering travellers to experience Malaysia’s unique charm with greater convenience”
*HK Express launches its daily Hong Kong – Kuala Lumpur Subang (SZB) service on 1 August 2025 using an A320 with 180 seats.
Sabah Tourism Board CEO Julinus Jeffery Jimit added: “We are honoured to welcome HK Express to Sabah and extend our sincere appreciation for selecting Kota Kinabalu as one of its destinations. This new route represents significant potential in enhancing air connectivity, offering travellers from North Asia and beyond greater opportunities to discover Sabah. It also provides seamless access to other destinations across the region and the world through Hong Kong, an important international aviation hub.
“Sabah stands as a unique destination where nature and adventure coexist in remarkable harmony — from the UNESCO Triple Crown site of Kinabalu Park to the world-renowned Sipadan Island, and from encounters with orangutans and rich wildlife to pristine islands, white sandy beaches, and awe-inspiring sunsets. Visitors are invited to enjoy eco-adventures and cultural experiences while contributing to conservation efforts and community well-being, reflecting our commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism.”
To celebrate the launch of the Kota Kinabalu route, the airline is extending a limited-time promotion across all three Malaysian destinations — Kota Kinabalu (Sabah), Kuala Lumpur (Subang), and Penang—with one-way fares starting as low as HKD88 (“Ultra Lite” fares — including one small personal item) for flights to the three Malaysian destinations.
Bookings via the HK Express website or mobile app opened at 1100 on 14 July 2025 and will close at 2345 on 17 July 2025.
Applicable travel periods are as follows:
Kota Kinabalu (Sabah): 27 November 2025 – 28 March 2026
Kuala Lumpur (Subang): 1 August 2025 – 28 March 2026
Penang: 22 July 2025 – 28 March 2026
The airline will deploy an A320 with 180 seats on the route to Kota Kinabalu, due to start on 1 August 2025.
(Source: HK Express)
