KOTA KINABALU: Tourism advocates are pushing for Sandakan to be designated as Sabah’s second international airport, citing its potential to unlock economic opportunities and broaden tourist appeal beyond Kota Kinabalu.
Teo Chee Kim, President of the Sandakan Tourism Association, emphasized the strategic importance of developing Sandakan into an international gateway amidst challenges facing Sabah’s current air connectivity.
“The recent suspension of seven AirAsia routes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) underscores vulnerabilities in our tourism infrastructure,” Teo remarked in a statement on Friday. “Losing over 70,000 seats is a wake-up call. Relying solely on one international airport is no longer viable.”
Teo highlighted the inconvenience faced by travelers who often need to backtrack to KKIA for international flights, leading to increased costs and travel times.
“Direct connections from Sandakan to major hubs like Singapore, Hong Kong, or Guangzhou would offer seamless travel experiences across Sabah without the need for detours,” he explained.
Improved connectivity, Teo argued, would not only boost tourism but also stimulate trade, business, and rural tourism along Sabah’s east coast.
“A second international airport in Sandakan would revolutionize our tourism landscape, reducing costs, minimizing wait times, and positioning Sabah as a highly accessible destination,” Teo asserted.
He cautioned that Sabah risks falling behind neighboring regions unless decisive steps are taken to enhance connectivity and attract international tourists.
“As our neighbors ramp up their connectivity efforts, Sabah must act swiftly to maintain its competitive edge,” Teo concluded.–THE STAR
