Travellers flying between Singapore and Kota Kinabalu may soon see fewer options from AirAsia. 

AirAsia will be temporarily discontinuing its direct flights between Singapore (SIN) and Kota Kinabalu (BKI), effective 14 May 2026. 

Flights remain available for booking up to that date. 

Are There Still Direct Flights from Singapore to Kota Kinabalu?

Yes. Despite the expected reduction from AirAsia, direct flights between Singapore and Kota Kinabalu remain widely available. 

Scoot currently operates: 

  • 10 to 14 direct flights weekly  
  • Daily departures, with multiple flights on selected days

This ensures that: 

  • Short getaways to Sabah remain convenient  
  • Travellers still have flexible flight options  
  • Overall connectivity between Singapore and Kota Kinabalu remains strong 

“While route adjustments like this are not uncommon in the aviation industry, travel demand between Singapore and Borneo remains strong,” said Emily Lim, Sales Director of Amazing Borneo, “What we’re seeing is a shift in how travellers explore the region, with growing interest not just in Sabah, but also in destinations like Kuching and Miri.”

Alternative Routes from Singapore: Kuching and Miri

While Kota Kinabalu remains a popular destination, travellers can also consider flying directly into Sarawak. 

AirAsia continues to operate direct flights from Singapore to: 

  • Kuching  
  • Miri  

These routes provide access to a different side of Borneo, known for its rich culture, wildlife, and unique landscapes. 

What to Do in Kuching: A Complete Borneo Experience

Kuching offers a well-rounded mix of culture, wildlife, and nature, making it ideal for first-time visitors to Borneo. 

Travellers can explore the region through the 4D3N Kuching Highlights Tour, covering Bako National Park, Semenggoh Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, and the Sarawak Cultural Village.  

For a more unique experience, the 4D3N Irrawaddy Dolphin Wildlife Safari & Kuching Holiday Tour includes a river cruise where travellers may spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins and proboscis monkeys.  

For those seeking a deeper and more immersive journey, the 5D4N Sarawak Wildlife & Culture tour combines rainforest trekking, dolphin spotting, cave exploration, and a premium stay at Cove 55.

Why Miri is Worth Considering

Miri offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience, combining nature, history, and cross-border exploration. 

The 4D3N Miri Niah Cave National Park with Brunei City Tour features one of Southeast Asia’s most significant archaeological sites alongside a visit to neighbouring Brunei.  

Alternatively, the 4D3N Miri & Brunei Highlights tour provides a broader cultural journey across two countries, including Kampung Ayer and Brunei’s iconic mosques. 

Final Takeaway

While AirAsia will temporarily discontinue its Singapore to Kota Kinabalu route from 14 May 2026, travel between Singapore and Borneo remains seamless. 

With continued direct flights to Kota Kinabalu via Scoot and alternative routes to Kuching and Miri, travellers still have multiple options to plan their trip with confidence. 

Travellers looking to plan their trip can explore curated Sabah and Sarawak packages with Amazing Borneo, Malaysia’s #1 destination management company, trusted by over 800,000 travellers for seamless, locally operated experiences across Borneo.