Bario STOLport upgrade 65 pct complete, on track for October completion, Twin Otter capacity to double

Gerawat (sixth left) flanked by Hasbi on his left together with others during a visit to the stolport on June 16, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

BARIO, June 17: The RM27 million upgrading and extension project of the Bario STOLport runway has reached 65 per cent completion and is on track for full completion in October this year.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the project, which he said is moving steadily and in line with schedule.

“The project involves extending the runway from 665 metres to 930 metres, resurfacing the existing runway, constructing additional aircraft parking bays, upgrading the perimeter fencing, and improving public parking facilities.

“Although the extension will not accommodate larger aircraft, it will enhance the capacity of Twin Otter operations, increasing passenger capacity from nine to 19 once completed,” he told Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) today.

Gerawat, who is also the Mulu assemblyman, said the project is vital in strengthening air connectivity for interior communities, particularly in Bario and Ba’ Kelalan, which depend heavily on air services as their primary link to other parts of Sarawak.

He added that once completed, the upgraded STOLport will improve flight safety, comfort and operational efficiency, while also supporting local economic development, tourism growth and community well-being.

He also confirmed that flight operations to Bario remain uninterrupted throughout the construction period, with daily schedules maintained as normal.

“Runway works are carried out only after the final flight departs Bario, typically between 12.30pm and 2pm,” he said.

Earlier on Tuesday, Gerawat accompanied Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah on an official working visit to the Ba’ Kelalan and Bario STOLports, together with a delegation from the Sarawak Ministry of Transport (MOTS) and relevant agencies.

In Bario, the delegation received a detailed briefing from the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak on the project’s progress before inspecting the construction site.

At Ba’ Kelalan STOLport, they were briefed by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) on the current condition of facilities before touring the terminal and runway.

Also present were MOTS permanent secretary Datu Wong Hee Sieng, Air Division secretary of the Malaysian Ministry of Transport Mohd Radzuan Mazlan, MOTS Air Technical advisor Sio Yew Hua, MOTS Air Transport Division head Dayang Nurhayati, and MAHB Borneo Region airport manager Jefri Ramli. — DayakDaily