KUCHING – AirAsia has officially relaunched direct flights between Kuching and Pontianak, Indonesia, re-establishing a vital air link that had been dormant for nearly five years.
The resumption of the route marks a strategic expansion in AirAsia’s regional network and is expected to significantly enhance cross-border tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.
The inaugural flight AK1782 from Pontianak touched down at Kuching International Airport on Friday, greeted by a vibrant cultural performance and a delegation led by Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
Also, present were AirAsia Malaysia CEO Captain Fareh Mazputra, Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Sharzede Salleh Askor, and representatives from Malaysia Airports and key government agencies.
Datuk Snowdan highlighted the route’s potential to invigorate Sarawak’s tourism sector, particularly medical tourism, and reaffirmed its importance in achieving the state’s target of five million visitor arrivals this year.
“This daily service will not only reconnect families and communities but also unlock new economic opportunities,” he said.
Officials estimate the route could generate over RM1 billion in monthly tourism receipts and elevate Sarawak’s status as a regional hub for creative and performing arts industries.
The revival also coincides with Pontianak’s recent reinstatement as an international airport following upgrades in June 2025.
In parallel, the first outbound flight AK1781 from Kuching was flagged off by Sarawak Transport Minister Dato’ Sri Lee Kim Shin and Acting Indonesian Consul-General Musa Derek Sairwona.
Simultaneously, AirAsia’s AK491 flight from Pontianak arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2, welcomed by Tourism Malaysia and AirAsia officials.
The launch further strengthens AirAsia’s presence in Indonesia, where it now operates to 18 destinations including Jakarta, Bali, Medan, and Makassar with Banjarmasin set to join on October 20.
From Kuching, Pontianak remains the sole international destination, while Penang offers connections to Jakarta and Medan.
A ceremonial welcome was held at Supadio Airport in Pontianak, attended by West Kalimantan Governor Drs Ria Norsan and Malaysian Consul Azizul Zekri Abdul Rahim, underscoring mutual commitment to deepening bilateral ties through aviation connectivity.
