By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, June 1: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg hopes AirBorneo will be fully operational in time to help address airfare issues ahead of future festive seasons, enabling more Sarawakians to return home for celebrations such as Hari Gawai Dayak.
Speaking to reporters during Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas’ Gawai Dayak 2026 Open House at the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) Complex today, Abang Johari acknowledged that air travel remained a challenge during festive periods.
“We hope that for future Gawai celebrations, we can resolve flight-related issues when AirBorneo is fully operational.
“At the moment, we are in a transition period, so we cannot manage it as well as we would like,” he said.
The Premier further said he hoped the State-owned airline would have sufficient time to prepare ahead of next year’s major festive celebrations.
“I pray that by next year, we will have at least six months before Gawai, other festivals and Hari Raya to tackle airfare issues.
“This will enable better mobility for Sarawakians working outside the State to return home and for those working in Sarawak to travel back to their respective hometowns,” he added.
Abang Johari noted that this year’s Gawai celebrations remained vibrant despite economic uncertainties and expressed hope that improved connectivity would further strengthen festive homecoming traditions.
He added that subsidies could also be considered as part of efforts to reduce airfare costs during festive seasons.
“There is a need for subsidies to reduce ticket prices, and we will manage this for future festivals,” he said.
Earlier, Abang Johari joined thousands of visitors at Uggah’s open house, which attracted large crowds from as early as 9am, with members of the public seen queueing outside the hall to take part in the celebration. — DayakDaily
