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AirAsia Temporarily Halts Manado–Kota Kinabalu Flights, Allegedly Due To Lack Of Passengers

The international flight route Manado – Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia) served by Air Asia has officially been temporarily stopped. The last flight from Sam Ratulangi International Airport Manado, North Sulawesi, was carried out on Monday, April 7, 2025. Interestingly, the plane that served the last flight was pink, adding a symbolic impression to the end of the route's operations. Opened in September, Ended in April The Manado–Kota Kinabalu route was initially opened on September 1, 2024 and was served three times a week—every Monday, Friday, and Sunday. However, over time, the flight frequency was reduced to twice a week, and finally only once a week before being stopped. "AirAsia to Kinabalu has stopped," said Maya Damayanti, General Manager of PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia Sam Ratulangi Airport Manado, quoted from TribunManado.com, Tuesday (8/4/2025). 

Maya did not mention in detail the reason for the termination, but the low seat occupancy rate is suspected to be the main reason. "But the slots are still there, so it can be operated again," he added, opening up the possibility of the route being reopened in the future. Information from tourism industry players stated that the termination of the Manado-Kota Kinabalu route by AirAsia was temporary, namely for the next three months. "We received information from the Sabah Tourism Board, that they and AirAsia are still considering the route and there will be a further decision," said Flori Sumerah, a tour operator from Tibogaul.com.

Tag: A AirAsia Kota Kinabalu Sam Ratulangi International Airport Manado