Direct (nonstop) flights from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu

2 airlines fly nonstop from Tawau (TWU) to Kota Kinabalu International (BKI). It's 180 miles (290 km), about 50m in the air. Operated by AirAsia, Batik Air Malaysia.

TWU
Tawau
🇲🇾 Tawau, Malaysia
BKI
Kota Kinabalu International
🇲🇾 Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Flight Time
50m
Distance
180 mi
290 km
CO₂/pax
33 kg
−38 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
AirAsia +1
Time Diff
Same timezone
Operated by AirAsia AirAsia Batik Air Malaysia Batik Air Malaysia

Route data last updated: May 29, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

AirAsia AK AirAsia
Route
TWU → BKI
Flight Time
50m
Distance
180 mi
Batik Air Malaysia OD Batik Air Malaysia
Route
TWU → BKI
Flight Time
50m
Distance
180 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu with one stop · direct emits 33 kg CO₂ per passenger

TWU SDK (Sandakan) BKI
Leg 1: 40m (109 mi) Leg 2: 45m (138 mi) Total: ~1h 25m 🍃 71 kg CO₂ (+115% vs. direct)
Leg 1
TWU → SDK
40m · 109 mi
View TWU to SDK flights →
Leg 2
SDK → BKI
45m · 138 mi
View SDK to BKI flights →
TWU JHB (Johor Bharu) BKI
Leg 1: 2h 25m (1,015 mi) Leg 2: 2h 20m (903 mi) Total: ~4h 45m 🍃 363 kg CO₂ (+1000% vs. direct)
Leg 1
TWU → JHB
2h 25m · 1,015 mi
View TWU to JHB flights →
Leg 2
JHB → BKI
2h 20m · 903 mi
View JHB to BKI flights →
TWU KUL (Kuala Lumpur) BKI
Leg 1: 2h 55m (1,137 mi) Leg 2: 2h 40m (1,012 mi) Total: ~5h 35m 🍃 388 kg CO₂ (+1076% vs. direct)
Leg 1
TWU → KUL
2h 55m · 1,137 mi
View TWU to KUL flights →
Leg 2
KUL → BKI
2h 40m · 1,012 mi
View KUL to BKI flights →
TWU HKG (Hong Kong) BKI
Leg 1: 3h 20m (1,269 mi) Leg 2: 2h 50m (1,135 mi) Total: ~6h 10m 🍃 431 kg CO₂ (+1206% vs. direct)
Leg 1
TWU → HKG
3h 20m · 1,269 mi
View TWU to HKG flights →
Leg 2
HKG → BKI
2h 50m · 1,135 mi
View HKG to BKI flights →
TWU CAN (Guangzhou) BKI
Leg 1: 3h 45m (1,350 mi) Leg 2: 3h 20m (1,214 mi) Total: ~7h 5m 🍃 458 kg CO₂ (+1288% vs. direct)
Leg 1
TWU → CAN
3h 45m · 1,350 mi
View TWU to CAN flights →
Leg 2
CAN → BKI
3h 20m · 1,214 mi
View CAN to BKI flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu?

A nonstop flight from Tawau (TWU) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI) takes approximately 0 hours and 50 minutes. The distance is 180 miles (290 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu?

2 airlines: AirAsia, Batik Air Malaysia.

Is there a nonstop flight from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu?

Yes. 2 airlines: AirAsia, Batik Air Malaysia.

How far is Tawau from Kota Kinabalu?

The flight distance from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu is 180 miles (290 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as New York to Washington DC.

What type of aircraft flies from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu?

At 50m, this route typically uses narrow-body aircraft — Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. Varies by airline.

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

Roughly 33 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 165 km.

Is the return flight from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau 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 Tawau 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 Tawau for this flight?

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