Air Services Between Kota Kinabalu and Lahad Datu Unlikely to Be Affected by Change in Service Provider

28 February 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Air services between Kota Kinabalu and Lahad Datu are unlikely to be disrupted by an imminent change in the service provider. Reports indicate that the services are "in the balance" due to the impending takeover of the current provider, Maswings, by AirBorneo.

In response to a news article published in the Daily Express, POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd Chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee stated that the Kota Kinabalu-Lahad Datu route has proven to be a viable sector for Maswings, which currently operates four daily flights along this route.

"I hope to meet with representatives from AirBorneo and relevant authorities in Sarawak soon to discuss the proposed upgrading and continuation of air services between Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, and Tawau," said Yong.

It has been reported that the Sarawak State Government has established AirBorneo, which will assume responsibility for air services between East Malaysian destinations now operated by Maswings, a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines.

POIC Sabah develops and manages the POIC Lahad Datu industrial park, a significant hub for industrial and logistics activities. "Businesspeople depend on Maswings services. I see no valid reason for AirBorneo to make any changes," Yong added.