‘Hopefully by Gawai next year, there will be more Air Borneo flight connections for destinations within Sarawak and from other states into Sarawak.’
KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said state-owned airline Air Borneo “needs more time” to resolve ongoing flight connectivity issues and rising airfares in the state.
He urged the public to be patient, following growing complaints over limited flight availability and increased ticket prices during the Gawai Dayak festive period.
“I pray that by next year, we will be able to solve these flight issues that we are facing now.
“The management of Air Borneo is still in its transitional stage since we (the state government) took over control of the airline from MASwings.
“Hopefully by Gawai next year, there will be more Air Borneo flight connections for destinations within Sarawak and from other states into Sarawak.
“We may need to implement a subsidy system to lower airfares.
“Give Air Borneo more time to solve these problems as the airline management is still in a transitional stage,” he said during a Gawai Dayak open house at the UNIFOR Complex in Kuching.
Johari’s remarks came amid public criticism over limited flight frequencies and rising demand during the festive season.
In recent weeks, passengers have reported a shortage of flights between major destinations in Sarawak, contributing to higher fares.
Airfares have reportedly surged, with flights from Kuching to Sibu (about 450km) and Kuching to Miri (about 990km) costing close to RM1,000 in some cases.
Johari said the increase in airfares was driven by higher aviation fuel costs, which he attributed to global market conditions.
On Dec 15 last year, Air Borneo said it would not increase fares on Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan routes after taking over operations from MASwings on Jan 1, 2026.
The airline had earlier confirmed that all existing MASwings fares and routes would remain unchanged to ensure continuity of Rural Air Services (RAS), supported by federal subsidies.
MASwings, previously owned by Malaysia Airlines, was taken over by the Sarawak state government as part of the restructuring of rural air connectivity in the region.
