KUCHING; AirAsia is bringing back direct flights between Kuching and Pontianak, following Indonesia’s reinstatement of Supadio Airport’s international status in West Kalimantan.
Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, said the move reconnects Sarawak and West Kalimantan after several years of suspension.
“The return of this important air route marks a major milestone in reconnecting Sarawak and West Kalimantan after several years of suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the temporary downgrade of Supadio Airport to domestic status,” he said.
He shared that the Sarawak Government, through his ministry, had been actively pushing for the restoration of the route.
According to him, in September 2024, he led a delegation to Pontianak and Singkawang, where they formally submitted a request for the resumption of direct Kuching-Pontianak flights.
Lee also thanked the former Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, especially Consul General Raden Sigit Witjaksono, for facilitating discussions between both sides.
He emphasised that the reinstatement of the route goes beyond convenience.
“It is a vital step towards strengthening people-to-people ties, economic collaboration, and regional mobility between Sarawak and West Kalimantan.
“This route is not only important to us in Sarawak, but it has also been highly requested by the people of Pontianak.
“Re-establishing air connectivity fosters mutual understanding, shared development, and closer bilateral relations between our regions,” he added.
Lee also believes the renewed link will spur cross-border trade, tourism, and small business activities.
“This will open new opportunities for local entrepreneurs, travel agencies, transport operators, and border communities who rely on the flow of people and goods between Sarawak and Kalimantan.
“Reviving this route also has the potential to boost our tourism sector, as West Kalimantan visitors can once again access Sarawak’s ecotourism destinations, medical services, and cultural attractions directly via Kuching,” he said.
Looking ahead, Lee noted that there are six cities in Kalimantan with airports, and Sarawak is keen to explore new routes in line with Indonesia’s capital relocation to Nusantara.
“We are open to increasing flight frequencies and exploring new air routes connecting Sarawak with other parts of Kalimantan.
“The development of Nusantara opens up fresh possibilities for economic integration and transport collaboration. We look forward to working closely with our counterparts across the border to expand this momentum,” he added.
For the record, the Kuching-Pontianak flights are already open for sale in AirAsia and its flight operations will begin 12 September 2025 onwards.
