KUCHING: AirAsia will operate additional flights between Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak to accommodate the expected surge in travel during the upcoming Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive periods.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said that for the Chinese New Year period, AirAsia will operate 23 additional flights from Feb 13 to 24, followed by 25 additional flights from March 18 to 26 in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
“These festive periods are especially meaningful for families.
“The additional flights will help ensure that Sarawakians working or studying outside the state have better access to flights and can return home in time to celebrate with their loved ones.”
He said this in a statement issued by the Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) on Wednesday (Feb 4), following a courtesy visit on Tuesday (Feb 3) by AirAsia Sarawak Affairs director Hamdan Mohamad, who briefed Lee on the airline’s festive flight arrangements and operational preparations.
Lee added that during these periods, AirAsia will also offer promotional one-way fares starting from RM328 for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching, Miri, Sibu and Bintulu, helping to ease the financial burden on festive travellers.
“The MOTS continues to work closely with the Ministry of Transport Malaysia, the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) and airline operators to ensure sufficient flight capacity and seat availability to Sarawak during peak festive periods, while also maintaining reasonable airfares.
“Other airline operators are also expected to adjust and increase their flight schedules to meet overall passenger demand.”
Additionally, he said that the Sarawak government remains committed to supporting Sarawakian students through the i-GPS Sarawak 2026 (Inisiatif Graduan Pulang Sarawak) initiative, a flight ticket subsidy programme introduced to assist Sarawakian students pursuing their studies at Institutions of Higher Learning (IPT).
The programme is designed to help students reduce the cost of flights when returning to Sarawak during festive seasons or long academic breaks.
He also expressed his appreciation to AirAsia for its support and timely response in increasing flight capacity for Sarawak during the festive periods, noting that close cooperation between the government and airline operators plays an important role in meeting public travel needs.
“The MOTS will continue to engage closely with all stakeholders to ensure smooth, adequate and affordable air connectivity for Sarawakians, especially during major festive seasons.”
