He said passenger movements also increased from approximately 7.14 million to 7.4 million, an increase of 3.61 per cent compared with the corresponding period in 2025.

“Sarawak records an average of 56 weekly international flights and 415 weekly domestic flights from other Malaysian states.

“Within Sarawak, an average of 612 weekly flights connected major cities and rural areas including the Rural Air Services (RAS),” he said in his winding up speech on Monday.

Lee said the ministry continued to work closely with airlines and relevant stakeholders to facilitate the introduction of new routes, the resumption of air services and increases in flight frequencies, further strengthening air connectivity.

In line with these efforts, AirAsia was scheduled to resume selected routes and increase flight frequencies on several domestic and regional services from Nov 2026.

Batik Air was also scheduled to introduce new services connecting Subang with Sibu and Miri from Dec 2026.

Lee said these developments are expected to provide passengers with more travel options and strengthen connectivity within Sarawak, between Sarawak, Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia and with regional destinations.

In line with global developments, Lee said, the Sarawak government envisions the proposed New Kuching International Airport at Tanjung Embang and its integrated Aerotropolis as a modern, smart and sustainable aviation hub.

He said the development was envisioned to incorporate AI-enabled passenger processing, cargoes and smart logistics, digital technologies and aerospace facilities, while promoting tourism, trade, investment and talent development to strengthen Sarawak’s aviation industry.

The ministry also submitted the Airport Development Request (ADR) on May 26 2026 to the Ministry of Transport Malaysia for approval in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Civil Aviation Act 1969,” he said.

He said his ministry would continue to work closely with the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Transport Malaysia and Malaysian Public Works Department on the Miri Airport Upgrading Project.

“Following continuous engagement by the ministry with various agencies, the project ceiling has been approved at RM445 million,” he said.

The upgrading would increase the airport’s passenger handling capacity from 2.0 million to four million passengers per annum, while enhancing its overall facilities and operational capability.

Lee added that JKR Malaysia, as the implementing agency, would incorporate Sarawak’s unique cultural identity and rich ethnic heritage into the airport’s design, while ensuring that it meets modern airport standards and operational requirements.

The Value Engineering (VE) process was completed in Aug 2026.

The tender process is currently ongoing, with construction targeted to commence in the second quarter of 2027 and completion expected by 2030.

“Upon completion, the upgraded Miri Airport will further strengthen its role as the northern gateway to Sarawak, enhancing air connectivity and supporting future passenger growth and regional economic development,” he added.

Credits: Churchill Edward, The Borneo Post 2026