Federal govt open to Sarawak taking bigger role in new Kuching airport — plus talks on cheaper domestic flights

Sarawak's Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin met with his federal counterpart Anthony Loke in Putrajaya on May 26, and two big topics came up that affect every Sarawakian who travels.

First, the proposed New Kuching International Airport (NKIA). The federal government is now open to exploring a decentralised development model, meaning Sarawak would have a bigger say in planning and building the airport.

"Allowing the Sarawak government to play a greater role in the planning and implementation of the project while supporting Sarawak's long-term aviation and economic aspirations," Lee said in a statement.

The meeting also covered the submission of the Aerodrome Development Request for NKIA.

Domestic airfares — still a pain point for Sarawakians

Lee proposed reviving three key routes under the Rural Air Services Public Service Obligation (PSO) framework:

• Kuching–Sibu
• Kuching–Bintulu
• Kuching–Miri

This could make domestic flights more affordable for people travelling within Sarawak. Airfare caps were also discussed, with Loke suggesting AirBorneo could operate these routes commercially using its ATR72 aircraft.

Also on the table: extra Miri–Bario flights for the upcoming Bario Food and Cultural Festival (Pesta Nukenen Bario) in July, and the long-term Bintulu–Samalaju rail link under the Trans-Borneo Railway initiative.

Location: Putrajaya / Kuching
Details: Courtesy call between Sarawak Ministry of Transport and federal Transport Minister, May 26

Source: DayakDaily

Have you flown between Kuching and Sibu/Bintulu/Miri recently? How much did it cost?