Tawau Welcomes Hong Kong Charter Flight, Marking a Significant Milestone in Sabah’s Efforts to Attract International Visitors and Boost Local Tourism: You Need to Know

On January 20, 2026, Tawau Airport in Sabah, Malaysia, marked an exciting milestone as it welcomed its first-ever charter flight from Hong Kong, operated by Greater Bay Airlines. The flight, carrying 131 passengers, arrived at 8.00pm and was greeted with a traditional water salute, symbolising the growing importance of Tawau as a regional tourism hub. This new connection is a significant development for Sabah, opening up fresh avenues for international visitors, particularly from Hong Kong, to discover the stunning natural beauty and unique cultural offerings of Tawau and its surroundings.

A Key Step Towards Strengthening Sabah’s Tourism

The introduction of this new charter service marks an important step in enhancing the international connectivity of Sabah, an area that has seen a gradual rise in tourism over recent years. With the addition of Greater Bay Airlines, Tawau now joins a growing list of destinations with direct flights from major cities across the region. This charter service follows previous operations by Loong Air from Shenzhen and AirAsia from Shanghai, which have already helped increase tourist arrivals to Sabah.

The new flight strengthens Tawau’s position in the competitive tourism market, providing Hong Kong travellers with a direct gateway to the area’s natural wonders, which include pristine parks, islands, and unique local experiences. The timing of the flight’s introduction is particularly crucial as Malaysia prepares for the highly anticipated Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign, which aims to attract millions of international visitors to the country.

Tawau’s Hidden Gems Await Hong Kong Visitors

For Hong Kong visitors, this new route offers convenient access to Tawau’s most treasured natural attractions. Tawau Hills Park, a remarkable nature reserve, is known for its lush rainforests, rare wildlife, and soothing waterfalls, making it an ideal destination for eco-tourism and adventure. Additionally, the nearby Semporna region, famous for its coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, offers world-class diving and snorkelling opportunities, making it a haven for underwater enthusiasts.

Tawau’s seafood is another draw for visitors. The region is famous for its fresh, locally sourced seafood, which allows tourists to sample a variety of dishes that reflect the local culture and traditions. Whether visitors are seeking adventure, relaxation, or culinary experiences, Tawau offers something for everyone, making it an ideal getaway for Hong Kong tourists.

By providing direct access to these attractions, the new flight is expected to attract a new wave of travellers, eager to explore the natural and cultural treasures of Tawau without the hassle of long travel times or multiple connections.

Opportunities for Local Businesses to Thrive

The arrival of Greater Bay Airlines’ charter flight is also a major opportunity for local tourism businesses. With international visitors now able to reach Tawau more easily, local hotels, tour operators, and restaurants are poised to benefit from the increased demand. To make the most of this new market, tourism stakeholders can create bespoke packages tailored to the preferences of Hong Kong tourists, highlighting Tawau’s unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Tourism operators could also look to expand their offerings by providing guided tours of Tawau Hills Park, diving trips to Semporna, or cultural excursions that showcase the region’s rich heritage. With these targeted experiences, Tawau can become a key destination for travellers seeking a mix of adventure, relaxation, and authentic local culture.

The success of the new charter flight could also pave the way for permanent scheduled services between Hong Kong and Tawau. If the demand for the route increases, it could encourage Greater Bay Airlines, and potentially other carriers, to expand their operations, providing even more flight options for international travellers.

Twice-Weekly Service to Encourage Regular Visits

Greater Bay Airlines has committed to operating the charter flight twice a week, with services scheduled for Tuesdays and Saturdays. This consistent service allows Hong Kong tourists to plan their trips to Tawau with greater flexibility, providing an attractive option for those looking to escape to a serene, natural destination. Regular flights will also ensure that Tawau remains easily accessible for tourists looking for a quick getaway from Hong Kong.

As the region’s tourism sector continues to grow, the twice-weekly flights could also serve as a stepping stone to further enhance Sabah’s overall air connectivity. Tawau, alongside Kota Kinabalu, is gradually becoming an important part of Sabah’s tourism infrastructure, offering tourists more options for visiting this beautiful and diverse region.

Expanding Sabah’s International Air Connectivity

The launch of the charter service to Tawau also complements the existing flights between Hong Kong and Kota Kinabalu, the state capital. Currently, both Hong Kong Express and AirAsia operate regular services between Kota Kinabalu and Hong Kong, with multiple weekly flights providing tourists with easy access to Sabah. As Tawau becomes increasingly accessible, it is expected that more tourists will be drawn to the region, further benefiting the local economy and tourism industry.

By increasing the number of direct flight options, Sabah is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for international tourists, particularly from regional markets such as Hong Kong. This growing accessibility positions the region as a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia, offering unique travel experiences that combine nature, adventure, and culture.

Conclusion

The introduction of Greater Bay Airlines’ charter flight to Tawau marks an exciting development for Sabah’s tourism industry, opening up new opportunities for international visitors, particularly from Hong Kong. The new flight strengthens the region’s air connectivity, making it easier for tourists to explore Tawau’s natural wonders and experience its rich cultural offerings. With the potential for permanent scheduled flights in the future, Tawau is poised to become a key destination in Southeast Asia’s tourism landscape. The new route supports Malaysia’s efforts to promote tourism and provides an ideal opportunity for local businesses to tap into the growing international market.

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