AirAsia Malaysia will launch two new international routes connecting Kuala Lumpur and Kuching to Pontianak, Indonesia, starting September 12, further expanding its footprint as the largest airline operator between Malaysia and Indonesia.
The low-cost carrier said it will be the only airline operating international flights to Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan.
The move brings AirAsia Malaysia’s network in Indonesia to 17 destinations, with a total of 223 weekly flights between the two countries.
The expansion follows the launch of the Kuala Lumpur-Palembang route in July and the upcoming Kuala Lumpur-Semarang route in September.
AirAsia said the latest additions strengthen regional air connectivity and support Malaysia’s goal of attracting 4.3 million Indonesian visitors in 2025, as well as Sarawak’s target of five million arrivals by year-end.
The new routes were announced during the Sarawak Travel Fair in Pontianak, attended by senior officials from both countries.
Governor of West Kalimantan Ria Norsan said the new connections would facilitate travel and promote trade, investment, and tourism between West Kalimantan, Sarawak, and Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia’s Consul in Pontianak, Azizul Zekri Abd Rahim, said the enhanced connectivity would deepen bilateral ties ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, easing the movement of people and strengthening cultural and economic links.
AirAsia Malaysia CEO Fareh Mazputra said demand for travel between Malaysia and West Kalimantan had driven the decision to expand.
“We are proud to further expand our extensive network with these direct connections to Pontianak,” he said. “By launching flights from our main hub in Kuala Lumpur and Kuching, we are providing greater convenience and flexibility for our guests.”
Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor noted the importance of direct air links in supporting the state’s growing health tourism sector.
She said the new route from Kuching would reduce travel time and cost for Indonesians seeking medical services in Sarawak.
To mark the launch, AirAsia is offering promotional one-way fares starting from RM159 from Kuala Lumpur to Pontianak and RM149 from Kuching.
Fares from Pontianak to Malaysia are also available from IDR499,000 to Kuala Lumpur and IDR467,371 to Kuching. The offer runs until August 3 for travel between September 12, 2025 and March 28, 2026.
Business News Asia
