By Marlynda Meraw
“The construction of the new airport will make the role of our new airline, upon the takeover of MASwings, more apparent as our regional carrier to connect Sarawak with regional and other destinations. Hoping for existing airlines to accommodate our needs is not an option if Sarawak wants to be a well-sought destination for tourists and businesspeople alike.” Abang Johari (December 24, 2024)
AIRPORTS have long stood as vital arteries in the global economic system, serving as pivotal gateways that connect regions, countries, and continents. As transportation methods evolved from the slow rhythms of maritime voyages to the steady progress of railways and eventually the speed of air travel, the world grew smaller. For Sarawak, where geographical challenges demand efficient connectivity, airports become more than just transportation hubs, they are critical enablers of progress. The ability to move perishable goods swiftly, transport high-value commodities securely, and meet market demands promptly is indispensable in today’s fast-paced economy.
Airports do not merely serve the travelling public; they power trade routes, foster tourism, and open gateways to international markets. For Sarawak, expanding its aviation infrastructure is not a matter of convenience but a strategic imperative.
Meeting Growing Demands: A New International Airport
Sarawak has witnessed a significant increase in air traffic in recent years, driven by its rising prominence as a tourism destination and an expanding business hub. The Kuching International Airport (KIA), while functional and vital to Sarawak’s current needs, is showing signs of strain as it attempts to cope with growing demands.
Recognising these limitations, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg reaffirmed the construction of a new international airport on January 19, 2025, identifying Tanjung Embang as the chosen location. This announcement was crucial, as previous discussions regarding the project had not pinpointed a specific site.
Tanjung Embang was selected after careful consideration of various logistical factors. Initial plans to build the airport in Matang were abandoned due to potential airspace conflicts with neighbouring Kalimantan. The chosen site offers optimal connectivity, aligning with Sarawak’s broader vision of becoming a major economic hub in Southeast Asia. Abang Johari emphasised that the State government would fund the project independently to expedite its completion, underscoring the airport’s significance in Sarawak’s development trajectory.
Designing the Future: Modern, Seamless, and Strategic
The proposed international airport at Tanjung Embang is set to redefine Sarawak’s aviation landscape. Drawing inspiration from Doha’s renowned Hamad International Airport, the airport will incorporate a fully automated design, offering a seamless experience for travellers. This progressive proposition places passenger convenience and operational efficiency at its heart. With the capacity to handle up to 15 million passengers annually, the airport is designed to meet Sarawak’s growing needs while positioning it as a key player in the regional aviation sector.
To oversee this ambitious project, a dedicated committee led by the Sarawak Financial Secretary has been established. This body will ensure that the airport meets international standards, aligning with Sarawak’s long-term aspirations of becoming a strategic gateway in Borneo. Abang Johari’s vision extends beyond the physical infrastructure—he envisions a hub that complements the State’s digital economy initiatives, attracting investors, tourists, and business travellers alike.
X-Factor in Economic and Regional Impacts
Beyond its immediate role as a transportation hub, the new airport represents a catalyst for Sarawak’s economic expansion. Enhanced connectivity will significantly boost the State’s appeal to investors and tourists, allowing businesses to explore new opportunities. Abang Johari highlighted that the airport would serve as a critical component of Sarawak’s broader economic ecosystem, adding an “X-factor” that elevates the State’s profile regionally and globally. Integral to this vision is the Sarawak government’s acquisition of MASwings and its transformation to AirBorneo. This move aims to create a comprehensive aviation ecosystem tailored to Sarawak’s economic priorities, including direct routes that better serve the State’s strategic interests.
Together, the new airport and airline are expected to unlock new trade routes, enhance tourism, and support industries reliant on efficient logistics. The airport development forms part of Sarawak’s RM100 billion infrastructure investment strategy over the next five years. This ambitious plan includes the establishment of a deep-sea port and various critical infrastructure projects designed to transform Sarawak into a globally connected economy. Such investments will not only strengthen Sarawak’s logistics capabilities but also ensure that it capitalises on regional market opportunities and its abundant natural resources.
Paving Connections for Sarawak’s Ascent
The new airport development signifies a transformative step in Sarawak’s journey towards economic diversification and global integration. By investing in modern aviation infrastructure and establishing its own airline, Sarawak is laying the groundwork for a future where it serves as a vital regional aviation hub. This strategic positioning will yield substantial benefits, not only through economic growth but also by elevating Sarawak’s influence in regional and international markets.
As the airport project progresses, key considerations such as sustainability, community engagement, and strategic partnerships will be central to its success. Incorporating green technologies, adhering to environmental standards, and ensuring that local communities benefit from this development is crucial to the project’s long-term viability. The airport is envisioned as more than a physical structure; it is a symbol of Sarawak’s aspirations for greater independence and a prosperous, interconnected future where it plays a leading role in the region’s aviation landscape.
With construction plans moving forward and Sarawak’s unwavering commitment to funding and overseeing the project, the State’s new international airport promises to redefine connectivity, spur economic growth, and position Sarawak at the heart of Borneo’s aviation map. This visionary development encapsulates Sarawak’s ambitions, representing not just a gateway to the world but a cornerstone upon which future generations can build.
The content featured here is an excerpt from the book “Rise of Sarawak: Abang Johari’s Era of Transformation”, published by Sage Salute Sdn Bhd.
