After a significant hiatus, the direct air link between Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, Malaysia, and Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan, Indonesia, is set to soar once more.
This highly anticipated resumption, spearheaded by AirAsia, marks a pivotal moment for regional connectivity, promising to revitalize economic ties, boost tourism, and strengthen the people-to-people bonds across the Borneo island.
A Look Back: The enduring history of a vital route
The air connection between Kuching and Pontianak is not a new phenomenon; it boasts a rich history dating back decades.
International services to Kuching from Pontianak’s Supadio Airport (initially Sei Durian Airport) commenced in the 1970s, with Merpati Nusantara Airlines being an early operator.
Malaysia Airlines also joined the route in the late 1980s.
However, the route faced disruptions. The Asian Financial Crisis in 1998 led to a suspension of these international flights.
While services resumed in mid-1999 with various airlines like Batavia Air, Kalstar Aviation, and Xpress Air taking turns, the most recent and prolonged suspension occurred in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Indonesia’s temporary revocation of Supadio Airport’s international status in April 2024.
For many years, travellers between the two cities had to endure arduous road journeys of four to five hours or take multi-leg flights with inconvenient layovers, often through Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur.
The absence of a direct flight underscored the pressing need for its re-establishment.
The Current Situation: A Triumphant Return
The call for the resumption of direct flights has been a persistent one, particularly from the Sarawak government.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin led a delegation to Pontianak and Singkawang in September 2024 to formally request the re-establishment of the route.
Their efforts, coupled with the Indonesian government’s decision to reinstate Supadio Airport’s international status, have paved the way for this exciting development.
AirAsia has stepped up to fill the void, announcing the launch of direct flights between Kuching and Pontianak, with operations commencing on September 12, 2025.
This makes AirAsia the sole airline currently operating international flights to Pontianak.
Sarawak’s Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, indicated that the route is expected to operate with two daily flights.
The Future Takes Flight: Prospects and Importance
The re-establishment of the Kuching-Pontianak air link is poised to usher in a new era of growth and collaboration.
The direct flights are expected to significantly spur cross-border trade, investment, and tourism.
With Pontianak being a key gateway in West Kalimantan, easier access will open up new opportunities for local entrepreneurs, travel agencies, and transport operators.
The Sarawak Tourism Board also anticipates a surge in West Kalimantan visitors accessing Sarawak’s ecotourism, medical services, and cultural attractions directly via Kuching.
Sarawak is keen to attract 5 million visitors by year-end, and the renewed link is crucial for this target.
In addition, Sarawak has emerged as a significant hub for medical tourism, with Indonesians, particularly from Pontianak and Jakarta, forming the largest segment of medical visitors.
The direct Pontianak – Kuching flight link will make it more convenient and efficient for patients to seek medical treatment in Kuching, which is known for its advanced healthcare services.
Thatr said, the return of direct flights between Kuching and Pontianak is more than just a logistical convenience; it is a reaffirmation of the strong historical bonds and a forward-looking step towards deeper regional cooperation and prosperity in Borneo.
Pontianak – Kuching – Pontianak flight promotions
There will be daily flights on the Pontianak – Kuching route, with AirAsia flying the route twice daily.
To mark the return of the route, AirAsia is offering promotional fares for direct flights from Pontianak to Kuching, starting from IDR467,371* all-in one way, and Kuching to Pontianak, starting from RM149* all-in one way.
These special rates are available for booking between July 26, 2025, and August 3, 2025. The travel period for these promotional flights is from September 12, 2025, to March 28, 2026.
To book flights to Kuching from Pontianak or vice versa, go to AirAsia’s Official Website or check out flight promotions and discounts via Trip.com.
Sources: Wikipedia, Sarawak Tribune 1, Sarawak Tribune 2, Bernama, PublicNow, Traveloka, DayakDaily, UKAS, TheVibes, AirAsia
