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KOTA KINABALU – The return of Royal Brunei Airlines to Sabah has now made the state accessible by air for tourists not just from Brunei but also from other countries.
Royal Brunei Airlines is the second foreign airline to resume direct flights to Kota Kinabalu, following Singapore’s low-cost carrier Scoot.
Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the return of foreign carriers is a great indication of the revival of the state’s tourism and economy.
“We are pleased to welcome the return of the Royal Brunei Airlines flights. The connectivity from Brunei will help with transiting international passengers, especially from routes that were previously in service from Australia, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and Japan.
“Sabah is ready to accommodate tourists, and we hope that more foreign airlines will begin direct flights to Kota Kinabalu. With more direct flights from cities across the Asean region, we can expect an increase in visitors,” he said.
Yesterday, Joniston, who is also Sabah Tourism Board chairman, welcomed passengers of the Royal Brunei Airlines at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
He was accompanied by State Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry Permanent Secretary Datuk Mohd Yusrie Abdullah; Sabah Tourism Board CEO Noredah Othman; and Royal Brunei Airlines vice-president (passenger, cargo, and charter sales) Christina Chua.
Chua said Kota Kinabalu is an important destination for Royal Brunei Airlines and that they hope to increase the frequency of flights in the near future.
“At the moment, we are flying to Kota Kinabalu two times a week. We plan to increase flights, bringing more tourists from Brunei to Sabah,” she said, adding that it was a full flight yesterday, indicating Bruneians’ eagerness to travel.
The Royal Brunei Airlines Flight BI 825 carrying 150 passengers was greeted with a water cannon salute shortly after touching down at the airport at about 7.50pm.
Passengers were also gifted with a goodie bag, which included shopping vouchers, courtesy of the Sabah Tourism Board.
“Sabah Tourism is collaborating with Suria Sabah and Jesselton Duty Free to provide several discount vouchers to Bruneian travellers. We know that Bruneians love to shop, and we are happy to welcome them back,” added Noredah.
Currently, Royal Brunei Airlines operates a 40-minute flight between Bandar Seri Begawan and Kota Kinabalu every Friday and Sunday. – The Vibes, May 7, 2022
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