BARIO: The upgrade project for the Bario Short Take-Off and Landing airport (STOLport) runway, which is currently progressing actively, is expected to enhance operational efficiency and safety levels.
It will also allow Twin Otter aircraft to operate at full capacity with 19 passengers per flight.
Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, said that at present, the use of the existing runway is limited to only nine passengers per flight, based on safety regulations set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).
“Once the upgrade works, including the extension and resurfacing of the runway, are completed, aircraft weight limits and passenger numbers can be increased.
“This will allow Twin Otter aircraft to safely carry their full capacity of 19 passengers, which will greatly benefit the rural community in Bario,” he said in a media statement following a site visit to Bario STOLport to review the project’s progress.
As of May 2025, the project has reached 30.46 per cent physical completion, surpassing the original schedule of 26.63 per cent, representing a performance lead of 3.83 per cent.
The site was handed over on 4 September 2024, and the project is expected to be completed by 3 March 2026, with contract duration of 18 months.
The Bario STOLport upgrade is being carried out with an allocation exceeding RM20 million, fully funded by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Transport Malaysia.
The project’s main scope involves extending the existing runway from 671 metres to 930 metres with an 18-metre width, to allow aircraft to take off with a full load including baggage.
Lee also noted that flight operations at Bario STOLport are affected by weather conditions, with all flights required to operate only until 4:00 pm daily.
As such, he plans to discuss with Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala, on solutions for accommodating more passengers during festive seasons such as the Nukenen Festival and Christmas, including reviewing the need for increased flight frequency to strengthen air connectivity to Bario.
In addition, the project includes resurfacing the original runway to enhance surface durability and safety, constructing a new clearway to improve take-off performance, installing a new perimeter fence for area security, and setting up a new wind direction indicator and Automated Weather System (AWS) to assist in weather monitoring and flight planning.
Beyond the current scope, Lee said that the Sarawak Ministry of Transport has also requested additional funding from the Federal Government to construct an extended dual-use aircraft parking apron, which can accommodate two DHC6 Twin Otter aircraft and two EC175 helicopters, along with a new connecting taxiway.
“Other proposals include paving the car park area in front of the terminal building for user convenience and to enhance the overall appearance of the airport.
“These improvements are seen as essential to ensure Bario STOLport achieves a higher level of operational efficiency and comfort,” he said.
