The newly completed Bebuling STOLport in Spaoh, Betong, has successfully completed its first trial flight, marking an important milestone for Sarawak’s rural air connectivity.
A trial flight was conducted on 18 September 2026, with a Super King 300 aircraft departing Kuching at about 10AM before successfully landing at Bebuling. The aircraft also completed a take-off operation at the new airport.
The Bebuling STOLport was developed at a cost of approximately RM248.03 million. The facility features a paved runway measuring about 1,190 metres long and 23 metres wide, together with a taxiway, aircraft apron, terminal building, control tower and helipad.
The airport also has Aircraft Fire and Rescue Services (AFRS) facilities to support flight operations.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) the Bebuling was planned as a Code 2B STOLport, with operations subject to certification, regulatory approval and operational readiness.
According to Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, an air journey between Kuching and Bebuling is expected to take around 15 minutes, compared with approximately three hours by road.
The STOLport is expected to improve connectivity for communities in Betong, Spaoh and surrounding areas, while providing another transportation option for agricultural produce.
Bebuling STOLport is also expected to support agricultural and industrial activities. A packaging centre is located near the terminal, while an Agro Park covering about 1,000 hectares is situated behind the facility.
The airport could also provide a new gateway for visitors travelling to attractions including the the proposed replica of Rentap’s Fort at Bukit Sadok, historic longhouses, Kabong and Batang Ai.
Commercial Flights Yet to Be Confirmed
Despite the successful trial flight, commercial flight operations have not yet been given a start date.
Further discussions involving safety, operations and maintenance will take place before the licensing and commercial-operation processes are finalised.
Nonetheless, the successful Bebuling STOLport test flight does represents a significant step towards improving air connectivity and supporting economic activity in Betong and surrounding rural areas.
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