AirAsia to operate additional flights to Sarawak for CNY, Hari Raya

KUCHING (Feb 4): AirAsia will operate additional flights between Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak to meet rising travel demand during the upcoming Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive seasons.

Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the airline will operate 23 extra flights from Feb 13 to 24 for Chinese New Year, followed by 25 additional flights from March 18 to 26 for 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 in a statement.

AirAsia will also offer promotional one-way fares starting from RM328 for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching, Miri, Sibu, and Bintulu, helping ease the financial burden on travellers during the festive seasons.

Earlier, Lee received a briefing on AirAsia’s festive flight arrangements and operational preparations during a courtesy visit by the airline’s Director of Sarawak Affairs, Hamdan Mohamad, at his office in Bangunan Baitulmakmur here.

Lee added that the state Transport Ministry is working closely with the federal Transport Ministry, Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) and airline operators to ensure sufficient flight capacity, seat availability, and reasonable airfares during peak festive periods.

Other airlines are also expected to adjust schedules to meet passenger demand.

In addition, Lee highlighted the i-GPS Sarawak 2026 (Inisiatif Graduan Pulang Sarawak) initiative – a flight ticket subsidy programme aimed at helping Sarawakian students studying at higher learning institutions return home at reduced cost during festive seasons or academic breaks.

He expressed appreciation to AirAsia for its timely support in increasing flight capacity, noting that close cooperation between the government and airlines is crucial in meeting public travel needs.

“The Ministry of Transport Sarawak will continue to engage all stakeholders to ensure smooth, adequate, and affordable air connectivity for Sarawakians, particularly during major festive seasons,” he said.