By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 12: AirAsia’s inaugural Kuching–Pontianak direct flight today marked an important milestone in strengthening cross-border air connectivity between Sarawak and West Kalimantan.
In a press release by the Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS), guests on the AK1781 flight from Kuching to Pontianak were given a special send-off by MOTS minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin before departing the Kuching International Airport (KIA) at 9.05am and landing in Pontianak after a short 45-minute journey, carrying a total of 175 passengers on board.
The return of this air route also sees the reconnection of Sarawak and West Kalimantan after five years of suspension, following the Covid-19 pandemic and the temporary downgrade of Supadio Airport to domestic status.
Meanwhile, Lee described the route as essential to further deepening Sarawak’s long-standing cultural and economic relationship with West Kalimantan.
“This flight will not only provide convenience for travellers on both sides of the border, but also stimulate tourism, create business opportunities for SMEs (small and medium enterprises), and strengthen cooperation between Sarawak and Kalimantan as part of Borneo’s greater economic growth,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to AirAsia for its commitment to reintroducing the route and to the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching for its continued support in facilitating stronger cross-border linkages.
The route will have twice-daily flights, providing passengers with greater accessibility and choice for travel between the two neighbouring regions. — DayakDaily
