Sarawak began 2026 with the launch of AirBorneo, a state-owned airline created to strengthen air connectivity across Sarawak, Sabah, and Labuan. With its first flights taking off on 2 January 2026, AirBorneo plays a practical role in how travellers move around Borneo, especially when visiting smaller towns and interior regions.
For travellers planning trips to East Malaysia, AirBorneo affects how destinations within Borneo are accessed, how routes are maintained, and how regional travel is structured going forward.
What Is AirBorneo?
AirBorneo is Sarawak’s own airline, formed after the state government acquired MASwings from Malaysia Aviation Group.
From 1 January 2026, AirBorneo took over:
- All routes previously operated by MASwings
- Rural Air Services (RAS) across Sarawak, Sabah, and Labuan
- Aircraft, crew, and customer operations
The airline starts by focusing on maintaining essential regional and rural routes that connect communities and support travel within East Malaysia.
Is AirBorneo Replacing MASwings?
Yes. MASwings has been fully transitioned into AirBorneo.
For travellers, this transition is designed to be seamless:
- Existing routes continue to operate
- Flight schedules and services remain in place
- The main change is branding, which will be updated gradually
There are no disruptions to travel as a result of the change.
Why AirBorneo Matters for Travellers to Borneo
AirBorneo matters to travellers because it helps maintain and improve air access to destinations that are difficult to reach by road or river.
This is especially relevant for:
- Travellers visiting secondary towns and rural areas
- Those planning trips across Sarawak and Sabah
- Itineraries that involve multiple stops within Borneo
Reliable regional air links make it easier to plan trips beyond major city centres.
Which Routes Does AirBorneo Currently Operate?
AirBorneo began operations with flights from Kuching International Airport to Mukah and Tanjung Manis.
In its initial phase, the airline continues to operate:
- Rural and secondary routes across Sarawak
- Flights linking Sarawak, Sabah, and Labuan
AirBorneo uses aircraft such as the ATR 72-500 and DHC-6 Twin Otter, which are suited to short runways and interior airports commonly found across Borneo.
Will AirBorneo Make Travel Cheaper?
AirBorneo has confirmed that:
- There are no fare increases compared to previous MASwings routes
- Rural Air Services are structured to keep fares affordable while covering operating costs
For travellers, this provides pricing continuity on routes that are essential for moving around Borneo.
Does AirBorneo Improve Travel Between Sarawak and Sabah?
Yes. AirBorneo continues to operate routes that connect Sarawak and Sabah, helping maintain air links between the two states.
For travellers, this supports:
- Easier cross-state travel
- More flexible itinerary planning within Borneo
This connectivity is particularly useful for visitors combining destinations across East Malaysia in a single trip.
Will AirBorneo Fly to Peninsular Malaysia or Overseas?
In the near term, AirBorneo remains focused on regional routes within East Malaysia.
Looking ahead:
- Jet aircraft operations are planned after July 2026, subject to approvals
- This could enable flights to Peninsular Malaysia
- International routes, including potential services to Singapore and Northeast Asia, are being considered for the future
Key Takeaways for Travellers Planning a Trip to Borneo
For travellers visiting Sabah and Sarawak, AirBorneo means:
- Regional air travel continues without disruption in 2026
- Access to rural and secondary destinations is maintained
- Air links between Sarawak and Sabah remain in place
- Airfares on essential routes remain stable
- Future expansion may gradually improve travel options within and beyond Borneo
What AirBorneo Means for Visiting Borneo in 2026 and Beyond
As AirBorneo continues to operate and develop, travellers can expect more consistency in how they move around East Malaysia. Strong regional air links make it easier to reach lesser-known destinations and plan trips that explore Borneo beyond its main cities.
For visitors interested in nature, culture, and regional travel, improved connectivity supports more flexible and practical itineraries across Sarawak and Sabah.