Daily Direct Flights to Malaysia’s Multicultural Paradise in Just 3 Hours
Hong Kong, 14 July 2025 – Following the launch of its Penang and Kuala Lumpur (Subang) routes, HK Express continues its expansion in Malaysia! HK Express Airways (HK Express) today announced a new route between Kota Kinabalu and Hong Kong, the capital of Sabah, with daily flights commencing on 27 November 2025 to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI). Kota Kinabalu blends vibrant markets with majestic Mount Kinabalu (Malaysia’s highest peak), dreamy sunset beaches and world-class dive sites, making it the ultimate destination for travel enthusiasts.
HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao said: “Malaysia has emerged as one of Asia’s most popular travel destinations in recent years, with inbound tourist numbers surging over 20% year-on-year in the first quarter of this year. Notably, the relaxation of visa policies has significantly boosted arrivals from 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 existing Penang and 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!”
Sabah Tourism Board CEO Julinus Jeffery Jimit said: “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. We warmly invite travellers to fly to Sabah and experience a destination that is Naturally Inspiring, Beyond Ordinary.”
To celebrate the launch of the Kota Kinabalu route, we are extending a limited-time promotion across all three of our Malaysian destinations — Kota Kinabalu (Sabah), Kuala Lumpur (Subang), and Penang—with one-way fares starting as low as HK$88 ("Ultra Lite" fares—including one small personal item)*! Hurry and book via the HK Express website or mobile app from 11:00 AM on 14 July 2025 to 11:45 PM 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
Hong Kong (HKG) ⇄ Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) (BKI) ** (Local Time) | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Flight No. | Route | Departure | Arrival | Frequency |
UO790 | Hong Kong (HKG) → Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) (BKI) | 21:25 | 00:30 | Daily |
UO791 | Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) (BKI) → Hong Kong (HKG) | 01:30 | 04:45 | Daily |
For reservations, please visit www.hkexpress.com. Follow us on the official Facebook Page www.facebook.com/HKExpress and Instagram account @HK_Express for more information.
*Limited seats available. Terms and conditions apply. Fares exclude applicable taxes and surcharges. The final payment amount may vary due to exchange rate fluctuations and will be displayed at checkout.
**All flight schedules are subject to regulatory approval. Final flight details will be available on the official booking page.