KUCHING (July 24): Direct flights between Kuching and Pontianak have officially resumed following the reinstatement of Supadio Airport in Pontianak as an international airport, said Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

The route, now operated by AirAsia, had been suspended since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and the temporary reclassification of Supadio Airport to domestic status.

“The return of this important air route marks a major milestone in reconnecting Sarawak and West Kalimantan after several years of suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the temporary downgrade of Supadio Airport to domestic status,” he said in a statement today.

Lee said his ministry has been in ongoing engagement with Indonesian authorities to facilitate the reinstatement of the route.

He also revealed that in September 2024, he led a working visit to Pontianak and Singkawang in West Kalimantan, during which a formal request was made to resume direct flights between the two regions.

He acknowledged the vital role played by the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, especially former Consul General Raden Sigit Witjaksono, whose support and coordination were instrumental in restoring the route.

“The return of this air route represents more than just the resumption of a convenient travel option.

“It is a meaningful step toward strengthening regional mobility, economic collaboration, and people-to-people ties between Sarawak and West Kalimantan,” said Lee.

According to Lee, the demand for the route had come from both sides of the border, with many in Pontianak also calling for its return. Restoring the air link, he added, would help foster mutual understanding, promote shared development, and deepen bilateral relations.

The renewed connection is expected to boost cross-border trade and tourism while benefiting local businesses, travel operators, and communities who rely on regular movement between the two regions.

“The route also opens direct access for West Kalimantan residents to visit Sarawak for ecotourism, medical services, and cultural experiences,” he said.

Looking ahead, Lee said Sarawak is considering the establishment of additional air routes with Kalimantan, which currently has six cities with airports.

He added that Indonesia’s ongoing development of its new capital city, Nusantara, presents new opportunities for economic integration and transport cooperation between the two regions.

Following that, Lee thus expressed the Sarawak government’s readiness to consider new routes and increased frequencies as part of its broader commitment to regional connectivity and collaboration.

“We are open to exploring increased flight frequencies and new air routes connecting Sarawak with other parts of Kalimantan.

“The development of Nusantara opens up fresh possibilities for economic integration and transport collaboration.

“We look forward to working closely with our counterparts across the border to expand this momentum,” said Lee.


Credit: Matthew Umpang, The Borneo Post 2025