Kuching aims to become an ASEAN aviation hub

Sarawak aims to establish Kuching as a major ASEAN aviation hub by leveraging its strategic location, which allows for a six-hour flight radius covering ASEAN, China, and East Asia. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stated that the long-term vision involves connecting regional markets to boost tourism, business, and medical travel.

Key components of this strategy include the development of a new international airport at Tanjung Embang, modeled after international hubs like Doha, to serve as a regional transit point. Additionally, the state is investing in its own airline, AirBorneo, to connect Kuching to strategic hubs such as Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, with direct flights to Jakarta expected by the end of the month. Plans are also being explored to link Kuching with Jeju Island in South Korea due to their shared UNESCO Global Geopark status. To support this growth, the state is expanding the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) to accommodate up to 15,000 people.