AirAsia resumes direct flights to KK-Bintulu, KK-Sibu this November

PUTRAJAYA, 15 Sept: Direct flights connecting Kota Kinabalu with Bintulu and Sibu are resumed from November this year, thereby improving air connectivity between Sabah and Sarawak, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said.

He said AirAsia's decision was reached after several meetings and discussions held recently on the need to restore both routes in order to strengthen air connectivity between Sabah and Sarawak, especially for residents of Bintulu and Sibu.

Tiong said the Kota Kinabalu-Bintulu route will resume operations from Nov 1 with three flights a week, while Kota Kinabalu-Sibu started on Nov 2 with four flights a week using Airbus A320, in addition tickets have been sold since Sept 2.

"Many rely on these direct flights for employment, education, business, tourism, medicine and family visits. Without direct flight services, passengers may have to transit at other airports, thus causing their travel time to be longer and involving additional costs", he said in a statement here today.

Tiong said that the stronger connections between Sabah and Sarawak are not only important to facilitate travel, but also support economic activities, domestic tourism as well as strengthening public relations between the two states.

"The City of Kinabalu-Bintulu service will provide better facilities to the residents, working class and business community, in line with Bintulu's continued development as an industrial and economic hub. The Kota Kinabalu-Sibu route will also benefit the people of Sibu as well as central Sarawak as a whole", he said.

At the same time, Tiong reminded airlines to ensure that services provided are stable and reliable, as well as avoiding frequent cancellations or end-minute schedule changes that could affect passenger confidence.

He also urged AirAsia to maintain the mine at an affordable rate as far as market conditions allow so that the increase in flight options will actually benefit the people.

"We will continue to engage with airlines and relevant authorities to improve Sabah-Sarawak air connectivity, provide more travel options for passengers as well as ensure our aviation services grow in line with the needs of the people and development of both states", he said. -TVS