There will be not less than 144 flights going into Kuching from 1 November 2021 after the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) decided to approve an increase in flight frequencies to Sarawak.
The number of flights include increased number of flights to Sarawak which will now go from 89 flights weekly to 223.
The increase was announced by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin which also said that the Malaysia Aviation Commission (Mavcom) has notified Malaysia Airlines Berhad, AirAsia Berhad, Malindo Airways Sdn Bhd, Scoot Tigerair Pte Ltd and MASwings Sdn Bhd to confirm their flight schedules and mobilise manpower and aircraft to suit the new requirements.
Kuching gets the most flights
The MalayMail reports that Kuching alone will see an increase of flights from 44 flights weekly to 144; while Miri will gain 40 flights weekly from the current 19.
Flights to Sibu will also increase to 31 from eight, and Bintulu will get 24 weekly flights from the current six.
Also increased is the number of flights to Limbang and Lawas, which will be served by seven flights weekly from the current five.
Flights to Mulu however will remains the same, with seven flights weekly.
Price tickets remain to soar
Checks online show that a one way flight with Malaysia Airlines from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching has become so much cheaper.
At the time this article was written, fares from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching went to as low as RM159/way, but average out at RM330/way in December, which is the peak of travel to Kuching.
Likewise, a return flight from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur also starts at RM159/way in November, but averages out at RM330 in December 2021.
For Christmas holidays, which involve flights between 22 December to New Year, a return flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching on Malaysia Airlines seem to start at RM700+ with Malaysia Airlines.
>> FIND MALAYSIA AIRLINES FLIGHTS
Surprisingly, at the time of checking, ticket prices for low cost airline, AirAsia, remain high with a one way flight hitting over RM1,000.
UPDATE @8PM, 28 Oct 2021: Checks at this hour reveal that AirAsia ticket prices dropped significantly to RM208/way for November for the same route.
I don’t want to speculate on why AirAsia flights are much higher than Malaysia Airlines, but as a consumer, you can always do your comparison by checking both airline, including Malindo Air to get the best deals.
Book early if you are coming to Kuching
Anyway, if you are planning to go home for the holidays, its always best to buy your tickets early and to plan your trip to avoid frustration.
If you are a visitor and do not need to fly during peak times, getting a flight during the off-season would be highly recommended to save on your flights. Hotels in Kuching City centre are also cheaper when it’s not the holidays.
If you are planning to visit Kuching and save doing some very interesting activities, try booking a tour/package with Klook to save even more.
Either way, Kuching and Sarawak tourism is now reopening to tourist and a trip to exotic Kuching, which I also call home, is always memorable.
