Bario Airport Upgrade Project Progressing Smoothly; Twin Otter Can Take Off Fully Loaded

(Miri, 24th) — Sarawak Minister of Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, pointed out today that the ongoing Bario Short Take-Off and Landing Airport (STOLport) runway enhancement project is expected to effectively improve flight operational efficiency and safety levels. Upon completion, Twin Otter aircraft will be able to take off safely, fully loaded with 19 passengers, benefiting residents in remote mountainous areas.

He said that, based on current Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) safety regulations, the existing runway only allows a maximum of 9 passengers per flight. Once the upgrade is completed, both the runway length and structure will be strengthened, enabling increased aircraft weight tolerance and passenger capacity.

Lee was speaking during a site inspection of the project. He noted that as of May 2025, the actual progress of the project stands at 30.46%, ahead of the scheduled progress of 26.63%. The project commenced on September 4, 2024, and is expected to be completed by March 3, 2026, with a construction period of 18 months.

He also mentioned that Bario flights are highly dependent on weather conditions. Currently, the daily flight window is only up to 4 p.m. To cope with peak travel periods during festivals such as the “Nukung Nen Harvest Festival” and Christmas, he will discuss with local assemblyman Dato Gerawat on increasing flight frequencies or exploring other alternatives.

He emphasized that the Bario STOLport is the main gateway connecting the area to the outside world, providing not just transport convenience, but also serving essential roles in healthcare, education, business, and tourism. Therefore, upgrading the airport is not only necessary, but is also a crucial step in ensuring rural residents have equitable development opportunities.

This upgrade project is funded by the federal government through the Ministry of Transport with an allocation of over RM20 million. The main works include extending the runway from the existing 671 meters to 930 meters with an 18-meter width; refurbishing the original runway to enhance durability and safety; constructing a new clearway; installing a completely new perimeter fence, windsock, and Automatic Weather Station (AWS); and minor renovations to the airport terminal.

He added that the Sarawak Ministry of Transport has also applied to the federal government for additional funding to build a multi-purpose apron to accommodate two DHC6 Twin Otter aircraft and two EC175 helicopters, as well as a new connecting taxiway. In addition, they suggested resurfacing the car park in front of the terminal to enhance the airport’s overall image and user convenience.

Lee expressed gratitude to all parties involved, including the Sarawak Public Works Department as the executing agency, the Civil Aviation Authority, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, various consultant teams, and technical and environmental regulatory bodies. He said that this project is not just an infrastructure upgrade but also demonstrates the government’s long-term commitment to ensuring sustainable development for remote communities.

“We will continue to promote Bario’s connection with the outside world, ensuring it remains part of the sustainable development blueprint, so that every rural resident can share in the fruits of prosperity.”