Kuching-Pontianak direct flight to commence in 2024

Seated from left: Dr Jerip, Lee and Harry seen in a group photo with MOTS officials at Sarawak DUN Complex on Nov 27, 2023.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Nov 27: Direct flight services between Kuching, Sarawak and Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, are expected to commence sometime in 2024, says Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

He said this was the agreement made in principle during the recent 10th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Transport Cluster Meeting in October 2023.

“However, we have yet to be notified of the exact date.

“We also have not yet (discussed flight frequency), but AirAsia has expressed that they will operate for the direct flight route. We are only waiting for the approval from the Indonesian government,” he told reporters after presenting his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.

In his speech earlier, Lee stated that Malaysia, during the meeting, had highlighted that the BIMP-EAGA routes connecting Sarawak, Malaysia and Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, have been suspended since March 2022.

“In the meeting, Malaysia proposed to the Indonesian government to resume the operation of the Supadio International Airport in Pontianak and expressed AirAsia’s readiness to resume Kuching-Pontianak operations.

“The representative of the Indonesian government informed that the airport is scheduled to start operation for international flights in 2024,” he elaborated.

Also present during the press conference were Deputy Minister for Transport Sarawak I (Aviation and Road) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil and Deputy Minister for Transport Sarawak II (Riverine and Maritime) Dato Henry Harry Jinep. — DayakDaily