Shenzhen launches direct flight to Tawau in Malaysia

Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport achieved a key recovery milestone Saturday with the launch of its first direct flight to Tawau, Malaysia. This service is the airport's 60th international passenger route, officially restoring its international flight network to its 2019 peak level.

Participants attend a ceremony to mark the launch of the direct flight to Tawau, Malaysia, in Shenzhen on Saturday. Courtesy of Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport

The inaugural flight, operated by Zhejiang Loong Airlines with an Airbus A320, carried 155 passengers, achieving a 90.6% seat occupancy rate.

Passengers check in for the inaugural direct flight from Shenzhen to Tawau, Malaysia, on Saturday.

Strategically located on the southeast coast of Sabah, Tawau serves as a vital hub for agriculture, fisheries, and tropical resources. The city's economy thrives on premium exports like cocoa, palm oil, and seafood. A gateway to the Celebes Sea, Tawau is the primary access point to the Semporna archipelago, which is world-famous for its diving and resorts.

Since the start of the year, the Shenzhen airport has opened or expanded 27 international flight routes, including routes to Mexico City, Malé, Tokyo, and Dubai. Its global network now connects to 60 cities across five continents.

The airport is set to further strengthen its international links with the launch of a direct service to Melbourne, Australia later this month.

According to recent data, overseas passenger traffic at the Shenzhen airport surpassed 5.7 million from January to November, marking a 23% year-on-year increase.