Sabah Seeks Direct Air Links with India to Unlock Tourism Growth

Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister and Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, exchanging views with Acting High Commissioner of India to Malaysia Hitesh Rajpal (centre) on India’s key strategic focus areas and Sabah’s priorities in tourism and economic cooperation. Photo: Sabah Tourism Board.

Authorities in Malaysia’s Sabah state are intensifying efforts to establish direct air connectivity with India, describing it as a key step towards unlocking significant tourism and economic opportunities. During a recent meeting with Sabah Tourism Board officials, India’s Acting High Commissioner to Malaysia, Hitesh Rajpal, said improved air links were essential to fully tap into India’s rapidly growing outbound travel market and could prove a “game changer” for tourism and broader economic cooperation. According to The Star, India views Sabah as a destination with strong potential across tourism, trade and technology sectors.

At present, travellers from India must reach Sabah through connecting hubs such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Brunei, resulting in longer travel times and higher costs. Rajpal noted that Malaysia’s visa-free entry facility for Indian passport holders has helped stimulate travel demand, but the absence of direct flights remains a major constraint. He also praised the Sabah Tourism Board’s engagement with Indian tourism stakeholders and airlines, including IndiGo, and expressed India’s willingness to support efforts aimed at advancing civil aviation discussions.

Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said India remains an important growth market, supported by its large population and expanding outbound travel segment. He confirmed that Sabah is actively pursuing stronger ties with India, including the possibility of direct flights. Sabah welcomed 11,282 visitors from India in 2025, while 3,802 Indian arrivals were recorded during the first four months of 2026, indicating steady growth in demand. Tourism officials believe direct connectivity could significantly increase visitor numbers and strengthen trade, investment and cultural exchanges between India and Sabah.