KUCHING: Batik Air will operate a total of eight additional flights during the upcoming Chinese New Year festive period to meet increased travel demand between Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.
Minister for Transport, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, said the extra flights comprise three additional services on the Kuching-Kuala Lumpur route scheduled for Feb 14 and 16, two additional flights on the Sibu-Kuala Lumpur route, and three special Chinese New Year flights on the Sibu-Johor Bahru route.
He said the additional capacity is aimed at helping Sarawakians return home to celebrate the festive season with their families.
“These festive periods are especially meaningful for families. As East Malaysia and Peninsular Malaysia are separated by the South China Sea, air travel remains the primary means of connectivity.
“Ahead of every major festive season, the Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) engages with airline operators to request additional flights so that Sarawakians can return home and celebrate with their families,” he said in a statement on Friday (Feb 13).
Lee said the Sarawak Government welcomes the support and cooperation from Batik Air in increasing flight capacity during the Chinese New Year period to help ease travel arrangements for the public.
He said MOTS will continue working closely with the Ministry of Transport Malaysia and the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), as well as airline operators, to ensure sufficient flight capacity and seat availability to Sarawak during peak festive periods.
At the same time, he stressed that efforts are ongoing to maintain reasonable airfares for the benefit of travellers.
“The MOTS remains committed to engaging with all stakeholders to ensure smooth, adequate and affordable air connectivity for Sarawakians, particularly during major festive seasons,” he said.
