The important step towards the facility’s full operation involved a Super King 300 aircraft, 9M-WSD, which departed Kuching at 10am.

Among those witnessing the operation were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas; Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu; Betong MP Dato Dr Richard Rapu; and Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak director Datu Dr Cassidy Morris.

In a Facebook post, Uggah said the trial flight was conducted smoothly and would form the basis for further discussions on the operation of the STOLPort, including the date for the commencement of commercial flights.

“In practical terms, the trial flight has been completed and went smoothly. We are very happy that today we were able to see this airport being used,” he said.

According to Uggah, a flight from Kuching to Bebuling takes about 15 minutes, compared with around three hours by road.

He stressed that safety remained the priority before the STOLPort could begin full commercial operations.

Regulations and standard operating procedures had been established to ensure flight safety, while firefighting facilities had also been provided, he said.

“Further discussions on safety, operations and maintenance will be carried out before the licensing process and commercial operations are finalised,” he said.

Uggah said the RM248.03 million facility has a runway of about 1.19km, along with other supporting infrastructure, and is capable of receiving aircraft such as the King Air.

He said the STOLPort is not only intended to serve as a passenger transport hub but also had the potential to become a cargo handling centre supporting agriculture and agropolitan activities in the surrounding areas.

“Located in front of the terminal is a packaging centre, while behind it is an Agro Park covering about 1,000ha. This gives us great potential to bring agricultural produce to external markets,” he said.

He also said the STOLPort’s strategic importance would be further enhanced with the completion of Batang Lupar II Bridge, which is expected to shorten travel time between areas around Batang Lupar and Betong.

The STOLPort could also serve as a new gateway for tourists visiting Betong and surrounding areas, he said.

Among the attractions that could be promoted are the replica of Rentap’s Fort at Bukit Sadok, longhouses more than 100 years old, as well as tourism products in Kabong and Batang Ai.

Uggah, who is also Bukit Saban assemblyman, expressed hope that the Bebuling STOLPort would stimulate local economic activities, particularly in agriculture, cargo, industry, and tourism.

“When the Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) announced the construction of this airport, we wondered what its use would be. But today it is clear that this facility can drive economic activities and production, while benefiting the community,” he said.

Meanwhile, JKR Sarawak said on social media that the facility includes a taxiway, apron, terminal, control tower, helipad, and Aircraft Fire and Rescue Services (AFRS) facilities.

JKR Sarawak said the STOLPort was developed to strengthen air connectivity in Betong, Spaoh, and surrounding areas while providing a more effective transport alternative for residents and communities in rural areas.

On the successful trial flight, JKR Sarawak said it was an important step in assessing the technical, operational, and overall readiness of the airport before the facility could be fully utilised by the community and support economic activities in Betong and surrounding areas.

Credits: Samuel Aubrey, The Borneo Post 2026