KUCHING — A new air route connecting Kuching and Pontianak will officially begin operations on 12 September 2025, offering twice-daily flights aimed at enhancing flexibility and travel convenience for tourists from both Malaysia and Indonesia.
Sarawak Minister for Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, described the initiative as a milestone in cross-border aviation that reinforces longstanding cultural, historical, and familial ties between the two nations on the island of Borneo.
“The opening of this route is not only an achievement in aviation but also a reflection of our shared heritage,” said Lee in a pre-recorded speech broadcast during the Sarawak Tourism Festival held in Pontianak, Indonesia, on Saturday. Although unable to attend the event in person due to official duties, he commended the Sarawak Tourism Board for its successful organisation of the cross-border event.
Lee also expressed his appreciation to the Indonesian Government and the Governor of West Kalimantan for reopening Supadio Airport in Pontianak to international routes, which enabled the strategic launch of flights between Kuching–Pontianak and Kuala Lumpur–Pontianak by AirAsia.
“This route will greatly stimulate tourism, trade, education and people-to-people connections, particularly among border communities,” Lee stated. He further emphasised the importance of public and community support to ensure the continued success and expansion of cross-border air travel.
The minister thanked AirAsia, aviation authorities, and all relevant agencies for their cooperation, expressing hope that this move would pave the way for more international connections in the future.
With easier and faster access across borders, the new route is expected to strengthen regional collaboration and fuel economic growth in both Sarawak and West Kalimantan, while reinforcing the island of Borneo as a vibrant and connected tourism destination.
