Direct (nonstop) flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

4 airlines fly nonstop from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Kota Kinabalu International (BKI). It's 1,012 miles (1,629 km), about 2h 40m in the air. Operated by AirAsia, Firefly, Malaysia Airlines and others.

KUL
Kuala Lumpur International Airport
🇲🇾 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
BKI
Kota Kinabalu International
🇲🇾 Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Flight Time
2h 40m
Distance
1,012 mi
1,629 km
CO₂/pax
171 kg
−51 kg vs. layover
Airlines
4
AirAsia +3
Time Diff
Same timezone
Operated by AirAsia AirAsia Firefly Firefly Malaysia Airlines Malaysia Airlines Batik Air Malaysia Batik Air Malaysia

Route data last updated: May 27, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

AirAsia AK AirAsia
Route
KUL → BKI
Flight Time
2h 40m
Distance
1,012 mi
Firefly FY Firefly
Route
KUL → BKI
Flight Time
2h 40m
Distance
1,012 mi
Malaysia Airlines MH Malaysia Airlines
Route
KUL → BKI
Flight Time
2h 40m
Distance
1,012 mi
Batik Air Malaysia OD Batik Air Malaysia
Route
KUL → BKI
Flight Time
2h 40m
Distance
1,012 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu with one stop · direct emits 171 kg CO₂ per passenger

KUL BTU (Bintulu) BKI
Leg 1: 2h 10m (781 mi) Leg 2: 50m (283 mi) Total: ~3h 🍃 222 kg CO₂ (+30% vs. direct)
Leg 1
KUL → BTU
2h 10m · 781 mi
View KUL to BTU flights →
Leg 2
BTU → BKI
50m · 283 mi
View BTU to BKI flights →
KUL BWN (Bandar Seri Begawan) BKI
Leg 1: 2h 25m (924 mi) Leg 2: 40m (102 mi) Total: ~3h 5m 🍃 215 kg CO₂ (+26% vs. direct)
Leg 1
KUL → BWN
2h 25m · 924 mi
View KUL to BWN flights →
Leg 2
BWN → BKI
40m · 102 mi
View BWN to BKI flights →
KUL LBU (Labuan) BKI
Leg 1: 2h 30m (949 mi) Leg 2: 35m (70 mi) Total: ~3h 5m 🍃 198 kg CO₂ (+16% vs. direct)
Leg 1
KUL → LBU
2h 30m · 949 mi
View KUL to LBU flights →
Leg 2
LBU → BKI
35m · 70 mi
View LBU to BKI flights →
KUL MYY (Miri) BKI
Leg 1: 2h 20m (854 mi) Leg 2: 50m (180 mi) Total: ~3h 10m 🍃 216 kg CO₂ (+26% vs. direct)
Leg 1
KUL → MYY
2h 20m · 854 mi
View KUL to MYY flights →
Leg 2
MYY → BKI
50m · 180 mi
View MYY to BKI flights →
KUL SBW (Sibu) BKI
Leg 1: 2h (710 mi) Leg 2: 1h 15m (377 mi) Total: ~3h 15m 🍃 226 kg CO₂ (+32% vs. direct)
Leg 1
KUL → SBW
2h · 710 mi
View KUL to SBW flights →
Leg 2
SBW → BKI
1h 15m · 377 mi
View SBW to BKI flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu?

A nonstop flight from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI) takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes. The distance is 1,012 miles (1,629 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu?

4 airlines: AirAsia, Firefly, Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air Malaysia.

Is there a nonstop flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu?

Yes. 4 airlines: AirAsia, Firefly, Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air Malaysia.

How far is Kuala Lumpur from Kota Kinabalu?

The flight distance from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu is 1,012 miles (1,629 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as New York to Miami.

What type of aircraft flies from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu?

At 2h 40m, this route typically uses narrow-body or mid-range jets — Boeing 737 MAX or Airbus A320neo. Varies by airline.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu?

Roughly 171 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 855 km.

Is the return flight from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport for this flight?

1.5-2 hours for domestic. Add more time during holidays or busy travel weekends.