KUCHING: Sarawak is set to benefit from expanded European air connectivity.
Discussions between the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) and major international partners are focusing on enhancing travel access to the region.
During recent meetings with Nowa Itaka (a Polish travel agency) and the Lufthansa Group (a German aviation group), Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing outlined efforts to improve Malaysia’s air links with the European market, particularly during off-peak seasons (April-September).
“Nowa Itaka, one of the largest tourism companies in Central Europe, covering markets such as the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Latvia, has successfully launched a charter flight package between Warsaw in Poland and Langkawi in October 2024.
“Following this success, the company is planning to introduce another charter flight package from Warsaw to Langkawi, with onward connections to Sarawak and Sabah, between October 2025 and March 2026.
“This will allow European travellers to explore Malaysia beyond Langkawi and experience its diverse destinations,” he said in a Facebook statement.
Meanwhile, Tiong said that the Lufthansa Group, a key European airline, was currently facing challenges in resuming direct flights between Germany and Malaysia due to aircraft supply shortages and international policy issues.
Despite these setbacks, the discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening travel links to enhance people-to-people exchanges and tourist flows between Europe and Malaysia.
Tiong also stressed the need for joint promotional campaigns, staff training, and partnerships with Malaysian airlines to create seamless travel experiences for European visitors.
“Upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur, travellers will have the opportunity to take domestic flights to other states, such as Penang, Langkawi, Sarawak, and Sabah.
“Strengthening these connections will enhance Malaysia’s tourism brand visibility and competitiveness in the European market,” he added.
