KUCHING: Sarawak's state-owned carrier AirBorneo is looking into opportunities for direct international routes to Sarawak, says state Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil.
He said the routes would focus on connecting the state to Asean and nearby regional markets.
"The Sarawak government is committed to enhancing international air connectivity, including exploring the potential for direct international flight routes into Miri," he told Adam Yii (GPS-Pujut) during question time in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Thursday (May 14).
Dr Jerip said AirBorneo was also evaluating potential commercial routes serving Miri as part of its broader network planning.
He said this would strengthen connectivity between the main cities and towns in Sarawak, including Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri, to improve overall accessibility and economic integration in the state.
"Subject to aircraft availability and commercial viability, these routes are expected to commence from the third quarter of 2027 onwards," he added.
In addition, Dr Jerip said the state government continued to engage airline operators to encourage new international routes to Sarawak based on commercial viability and market demand.
He said incentives were provided to airlines through a collaborative approach involving Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), Tourism Malaysia and the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB).
"These incentives generally include route development support, such as airport charge rebates, joint marketing and promotional assistance, as well as other facilitation measures to encourage airlines to commence and sustain new international routes," he said.
