KUCHING: AirBorneo should not be singled out whenever flight delays or cancellations occur, as similar issues are also affecting other airlines operating in the country.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said it would be unfair to place the blame entirely on AirBorneo, as current flight disruptions reflect broader challenges facing the aviation industry.
As an example, he said two representatives from a company in Kuala Lumpur who were scheduled to attend a meeting with him yesterday were unable to do so after their flight was cancelled at the last minute.
“Incidents like this are not unique to AirBorneo so it is unfair for AirBorneo alone to bear the criticism,” he said when commenting on complaints regarding flight delays and cancellations following a press conference on the SICFest 2026 here Wednesday (June 10).
Abdul Karim also criticised certain parties for being too quick to condemn AirBorneo, despite the Sarawak-owned airline still being in the early stages of its operations.
“AirBorneo currently operates only three aircraft. What are people expecting? Do they expect AirBorneo to immediately become like Singapore Airlines?
“We have only just begun the journey, yet criticism is already coming from all directions. If they think it is so easy, they should try starting an airline themselves,” he said.
According to him, the issue should not be viewed emotionally or politicised, but rather assessed within the broader context of the aviation industry, which is currently facing various operational challenges.
At the same time, he urged the relevant authorities to investigate the underlying causes behind the recent increase in flight disruptions, including the possibility of rising operational costs linked to higher global fuel prices.
“I hope both the Ministry of Transport Malaysia and the Sarawak Ministry of Transport will look into this matter more thoroughly.
“Airlines should not be allowed to determine everything, including ticket prices, without adequate oversight, as that would be unfair to the public,” he said.
He also expressed concern that persistent flight disruptions could negatively impact Sarawak’s tourism sector, which will be hosting a series of major events, including the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF), international conferences and other tourism-related festivals.
“Imagine if a confirmed ticket is suddenly cancelled. It would certainly affect visitors’ confidence and have repercussions for the state’s tourism industry,” he said.
