Revival of Kuching-Pontianak flights expected next year

The Kuching-Pontianak flights, suspended since March 2022, are set to be revived next year, according to Sarawak Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin.

The announcement was made during a press conference at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Monday (Nov 27).

The flights between Kuching and Pontianak had been suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Kuching-Pontianak Flight Revival

During the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) meeting held last month, Indonesia agreed in principle to resume flight operations.

However, the flight frequency remains uncertain as operational discussions are yet to take place. AirAsia has expressed interest in servicing the Kuching-Pontianak route. T

The BIMP-EAGA routes connecting Sarawak and Pontianak have been suspended since March 2022.

Malaysia proposed to the Indonesian government to resume operations of the Supadio International Airport in Pontianak, Indonesia.

At present, according to the policy of the Indonesian government, international flights are only permitted to and from eight cities in Indonesia, which include Jakarta and Bali. Pontianak is not currently on this list.

Bus Services and Future Plans

In addition to the flight revival, bus services between the border of Singkawang-Kuching will commence on Dec 1, with two buses initially serving the route.

The Sarawak state government plans to expand these bus services over time. The state government is looking to improve its connectivity with Indonesia, particularly Kalimantan, through new air and land routes.

The Consul-General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, Raden Sigit Witjaksono, has urged for the Kuching-Pontianak flight route to be reinstated soon.

He said having direct flights between the two cities would augur well for both countries, especially with the relocation of the Indonesian capital from Jakarta to Nusantara in East Kalimantan.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo is expected to declare Nusantara open on Aug 17 next year.

The BIMP-EAGA initiative, launched in 1994, aims to boost growth in trade, investments, and tourism through new intra-region shipping routes and air links.