The Sarawak Ministry of Transport stated that there are plans for Firefly Kuching to Miri and Kota Kinabalu Flights in Q2 2023, beginning the second quarter of 2023. This would benefit Malaysia and Borneo states, providing connectivity for tourism, business and even medical tourism opportunities.

Firefly Kuching to Miri and Kota Kinabalu Flights in Q2 2023

It said the additional routes were disclosed by Firefly chief executive officer (CEO) Phillip See during a meeting today between its minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin with Malaysia Airlines Berhad and Firefly representatives on future plans to have more flights within Sarawak.

“CEO of Firefly, Philip See, has mentioned that they have planned two new routes for Sarawak, which are Kuching-Miri and Kuching-Kota Kinabalu, starting quarter 2, 2023,” the statement said.

While lauding the move, the ministry also said that he had suggested Firefly add another new route to Penang from Miri, given the lack of direct flights. According to the statement, a few years ago, another airline had direct flights from Miri to Penang.

“We hope that with the additional airline operating the routes, it will create choices of flight availability, reasonable flight fare and attract more passengers to travel within and to Sarawak,” it said. According to the ministry, Firefly currently operates one route daily in Sarawak, Penang-Kuching.

“The main purpose of this meeting was for Firefly to discuss their plans in Sarawak with the Minister briefly. Firefly, the low-cost arm of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), is currently operating the Penang-Kuching route with the frequency of 14 flights weekly,” the statement added.

Kuching to Miri and Kota Kinabalu Flights — Passengers are alighting the Firefly ATR-72 aircraft.

Conclusion

In thanking Firefly, the ministry also requested the airline look into more opportunities for Sarawak, especially international direct flights. “The minister also asked Firefly to include Sarawak in their future domestic and international routes expansion plan.

“Other matters discussed include the potential new routes to or within Sarawak, flight frequency, airfare and exploring possible areas of collaboration with local business players in the travel and leisure industry.

“We would like to thank the CEO and management of FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd for the confidence and support and for working closely with the Ministry of Transport, Sarawak,” said the ministry. Also present during the meeting were Sarawak Ministry of Transport Acting Permanent Secretary Julin Alen and other ministry officials.