AirAsia Launches First International Flights from Supadio Airport, Pontianak

AirAsia Launches First International Flights from Supadio Airport, Pontianak

AirAsia Malaysia has become the first airline to operate international flights from Supadio Airport, Pontianak, following the airport’s international status restoration in June 2025. The inaugural service also introduces two new routes connecting Pontianak with Kuching and Kuala Lumpur, enhancing travel links between Malaysia and Indonesia, particularly in Kalimantan.

The first flight on the Kuching–Pontianak route (AK1781) carried passengers, including YB Dato’ Sri Lee Kim Shin, Minister for Transport Sarawak, and Musa Derek Sairwona, Acting Consul General of Indonesia in Kuching. The return flight, AK1782, was welcomed at Kuching International Airport with a cultural performance. Guests from Malaysia included Deputy Minister YB Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Pn Sharzede Salleh Askor, and AirAsia Malaysia CEO Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra, alongside officials from Malaysia Airports and local agencies.

At Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2, passengers from the inaugural AK491 flight were greeted by Tourism Malaysia representatives and AirAsia management.

The inaugural flights recorded an average occupancy rate of 80.7% across the six sectors of the Kuala Lumpur–Pontianak and Kuching–Pontianak routes, indicating strong demand for the new connectivity.

Officials highlighted the significance of the route for travel convenience, tourism, and business exchanges between Sarawak and West Kalimantan. YB Dato’ Sri Lee Kim Shin noted that travel time between Kuching and Pontianak has reduced from four to five hours by road to under an hour by air, supporting tourism, business, and regional ties.

On the same occasion, AirAsia Malaysia CEO, Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra, said, after the successful launch of the latest route to Palembang and other destinations, Indonesia remains one of the most important markets for AirAsia. 

“We are proud to reconnect Pontianak with Kuching and Kuala Lumpur. This route not only provides more convenience for passengers, but also opens up new opportunities for tourism and business between Malaysia and Indonesia. With an extensive network and affordable fares, AirAsia is committed to strengthening relations between neighbouring countries while driving regional growth.”

AirAsia continues to strengthen its network in Indonesia, serving 18 destinations from Kuala Lumpur, including Jakarta, Bali (Denpasar), Medan, Yogyakarta, Banda Aceh, Makassar, Padang, Pekanbaru, Balikpapan, Labuan Bajo, Lombok, Palembang, Semarang, and Pontianak. A new route to Banjarmasin will begin on 20 October 2025. The airline also connects Kuching with Pontianak and Penang with Jakarta and Medan, facilitating regional connectivity.