SARAWAK recorded a strong performance in air transport for the first quarter of 2025, with a total of 30,980 aircraft movements carrying 2.5 million passengers across all airports and STOLports in the state.
Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said this reflects an 8 per cent increase in passenger numbers compared to 2.3 million passengers from 31,230 aircraft movements during the same period in 2024.
The state also registered a significant rise in air cargo movement. A total of 14,438 tonnes of cargo was handled in the first quarter of 2025, a 23.3 percent rise compared to 11,072 tonnes during the same period last year.
“This notable growth reflects stronger demand across various sectors and improved connectivity to destinations throughout Sarawak,” he said.
He said this in his ministerial winding up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
“The cargo included electrical and electronic products, oil and gas equipment, e-commerce consignments, textiles, clothing, and perishable goods such as fruits and fresh flowers,” he said.
He added that international connectivity remains robust, with 37 international flights weekly to Sarawak and an average of 427 weekly flights from other Malaysian states and federal territories.
“The routes are operated by carriers including Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Batik Air, Firefly, MASwings, AirAsia Indonesia, Scoot, and Royal Brunei Airlines,”he said.
Kuching International Airport recorded the highest flight frequency with 216 weekly flights, followed by Miri (99), Sibu (55), Bintulu (45), Mulu (7), Limbang (3), and Lawas (2).
He also announced that Batik Air will commence a new route from Subang to Kuching beginning Jul 28.
“On domestic connectivity within Sarawak, an average of 620 weekly flights were recorded in the first quarter, linking major cities and rural settlements under the Rural Air Services (RAS) initiative.
“Miri led with 181 weekly flights, followed by Kuching (142), Sibu (66), and Bintulu (40), with the remainder servicing smaller airports and STOLports. These routes are operated by AirAsia, Firefly, and MASwings,” he said.
