KUCHING (Sept 12): The resumption of AirAsia’s Kuching–Pontianak (KCH–PNK) routes will boost Sarawak’s tourism industry and help the state reach its target of five million visitor arrivals this year, said State Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan.

He said the reinstated routes also align with his ministry’s vision of positioning Sarawak as a regional hub for the creative industry and performing arts.

“I think this will definitely boost our tourism industry in Sarawak, especially medical tourism. At the same time, it will help us achieve our target of five million visitors this year.

“That is why we are looking forward to this flight coming in from Pontianak to Kuching. It will operate twice daily,” he told reporters after welcoming passengers of flight AK1782 from Pontianak at Kuching International Airport today.

The KCH–PNK and Kuala Lumpur–PNK services were suspended in March 2020 at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, following the temporary reclassification of Supadio Airport as a domestic airport.

With Supadio’s reinstatement as an international airport, the routes have now resumed.

Currently, the daily KCH–PNK services are operated by flights AK1781 departing at 9.05am and AK1783 at 7.20pm, while the PNK–KCH services are operated by flights AK1782 departing at 9.20am and AK1784 at 7.30pm.

For the Kuala Lumpur (KUL)–PNK service, it is operated by flight AK492 departing at 11.15am, with the return PNK–KUL service operated by flight AK491 departing at 12.30am, available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

 

Earlier, Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin and Indonesia’s Acting Consul-General in Kuching Musa Derek Sairwona joined guests boarding the KCH–PNK flight before travelling themselves to West Kalimantan’s capital on an official visit.

“This flight will not only provide convenience for travellers on both sides of the border, but also stimulate tourism, create business opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and strengthen cooperation between Sarawak and Kalimantan as part of Borneo’s greater economic growth,” said Lee.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor said the resumption of the route would make travel for leisure, medical, education and business purposes more convenient for neighbours in West Kalimantan, while also strengthening Sarawak’s role as the gateway to Borneo.

“With international arrivals to Sarawak continuing to grow steadily this year, this timely connectivity will help us attract more visitors from Pontianak and beyond, while showcasing our rich culture, pristine nature and unique adventure offerings.

“We look forward to building on this momentum as we prepare for Visit Malaysia Year 2026,” she said.

 

AirAsia Malaysia, which serves 18 destinations in Indonesia, continues to expand its network.

From Kuala Lumpur, it currently flies to Jakarta, Bali, Medan, Yogyakarta, Banda Aceh, Makassar, Padang, Pekanbaru, Balikpapan, Labuan Bajo, Lombok, Palembang, Semarang and Pontianak, with Banjarmasin to commence on Oct 20, 2025.

From Malaysia’s other gateways, it also connects Kuching to Pontianak, and Penang to Jakarta and Medan.

Also present to welcome passengers from Pontianak today were the state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts ministry deputy permanent secretary Julin Alen, AirAsia Malaysia chief executive officer Dato Captain Fareh Mazputra and other distinguished guests.

Credit: Kentigern Minggu, The Borneo Post 2025