Malaysia’s Sarawak Sets Ambitious Target To Welcome 5 Million Visitors By 2025 With Launch Of Air Borneo And Groundbreaking New Airport Project

Malaysia’s Sarawak plans to welcome 5 million visitors by 2025 with the launch of Air Borneo and a new airport, boosting tourism and economic growth in the region.

Sarawak, a state in East Malaysia, is optimistic about boosting tourism with the launch of its own airline and a potential new airport, aiming to welcome 5 million visitors by 2025.

In February, Sarawak officially acquired MASwings from the Malaysia Aviation Group, marking a significant step in Premier Abang Johari Openg’s plan for self-sufficiency in air connectivity and boosting economic growth. The new state-owned airline, Air Borneo, aims to offer lower airfares, further stimulating tourism.

Abang Johari has identified six key international markets—Thailand, Japan, South Korea, and Germany, among others—as target destinations for Air Borneo, although specific details will be finalized when the airline launches in 2026. MASwings currently operates a fleet of eight ATR 72-500 aircraft and six De Havilland Canada 6-400s, with two ATR 72-600s on order.

To accommodate future demand, Sarawak plans to build a new airport in Tanjung Embang, near the state capital, Kuching, as part of a MYR100 billion ($22 billion) investment to establish Sarawak as a regional aviation and maritime hub. This project is expected to be completed by 2032.

Sarawak’s tourism numbers exceeded expectations in 2024, reaching 4.83 million visitors, surpassing the 4 million target. In January 2025 alone, visitor numbers surged to 400,531, marking a 13.4% year-over-year growth, according to Deputy Tourism Minister Sebastian Ting at Routes Asia 2025 in Perth.

The post Malaysia’s Sarawak Sets Ambitious Target To Welcome 5 Million Visitors By 2025 With Launch Of Air Borneo And Groundbreaking New Airport Project appeared first on Travel And Tour World.