AirAsia’s official website has shown that its direct flight route between Sibu and Kota Kinabalu will be temporarily suspended from June 8 to June 30, with all flights during this period requiring a transit via Kuching. Direct services are expected to resume on July 1.
Industry observers suggest the adjustment may be linked to rising global fuel prices and weaker seasonal demand. The change is expected to affect travel efficiency and could also have a knock-on impact on business activities and tourism between Sarawak and Sabah.
Before the suspension, the direct flight took approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and was considered relatively affordable. However, since May, flight frequency has already been reduced from multiple weekly services to just one, with ticket prices reportedly increasing during certain periods.
From June onwards, passengers will need to transit in Kuching, extending total travel time to more than three hours and potentially over five hours depending on connecting schedules. This significantly reduces convenience, particularly for time-sensitive business travellers.
Industry players note that such adjustments are common airline strategies to manage operational costs amid fluctuating demand and rising expenses. However, repeated reductions in connectivity could affect air links between Sabah and Sarawak in the long term.
During the transition period, travellers are advised to plan their journeys early, especially those travelling for work, medical, or education purposes, and to allow additional time for transfers. Non-urgent trips may also be postponed until direct services resume.
