By Amanda L
KUCHING, Dec 15: Batik Air has commenced daily direct flights between Kota Kinabalu and Kuching, enhancing travel convenience and strengthening air connectivity between Sabah and Sarawak.
Deputy Minister for Transport Sarawak (Aviation and Road) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said the new service reflects Sarawak’s commitment to improving inter-state air links in collaboration with federal agencies and airline operators.
Under the daily schedule, flight OD1682 arrives in Kuching from Kota Kinabalu at 6.30pm, while the return flight OD1683 departs Kuching at 7.20pm.
“Batik Air also operates four additional flights weekly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. OD1684 arrives at 9.45am and OD1685 departs at 10.35am, bringing total weekly frequency to 11 flights,” said Jerip at a press conference following the inaugural direct flight at Kuching International Airport (KIA) today.
Dr Jerip described the Kota Kinabalu–Kuching route as a strategic milestone that is expected to stimulate trade, tourism, logistics and services, while also supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in both states.
He noted the encouraging response to the inaugural service, which recorded 120 arriving passengers and 120 departing passengers, reflecting strong demand and market confidence in the route.
“With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaching, enhanced Sabah–Sarawak air connectivity is timely. It will encourage multi-destination travel within Sarawak through direct and indirect links via Kota Kinabalu,” he added. — DayakDaily
