Kuching Tanjung Embang New International Airport — Sarawak’s New Gateway to the World
~ Images for illustration
Sarawak is preparing for a once-in-a-generation infrastructure transformation.
Did you know?
The Sarawak government has officially planned the construction of a new world-class international airport at Tanjung Embang, Kuching.
This is not just another airport.
It is a strategic aviation hub project that will profoundly shape Sarawak’s development over the next 20–30 years.
Its goals are clear:
👉 Replace the existing Kuching International Airport
👉 Build Malaysia’s most advanced smart airport
👉 Become a key engine of Sarawak’s Post-2030 Advanced Region vision
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Kuching Tanjung Embang New International Airport — Project Overview
Project Positioning
• Type: World-class international airport complex
• Location: Tanjung Embang
• Design Inspiration: Hamad International Airport, Doha
• Current Stage: Feasibility study and master planning
• Target Timeline: Studies completed by 2025–2026, full development after 2030
Core Specifications
• Dual-runway system
• Main international terminal
• Smart aviation and automation systems
• International-standard access roads and transport network
• Target annual capacity: ~15 million passengers
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Why Tanjung Embang?
① Strategic Location Adjustment
• Original proposed site: Matang
• Relocation to Tanjung Embang avoids flight paths crossing neighboring countries’ airspace
• Reduces long-term operating costs and technical constraints
• Provides greater flexibility for future international route expansion
② Space and Expansion Advantages
• Larger and more complete development land bank
• Ideal for an integrated Airport + Logistics + Commercial + Transport hub
• Free from the geographical and capacity limitations of the existing airport
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More Than an Airport — An “Aviation City”
The Tanjung Embang New International Airport is envisioned not as a single terminal, but as a complete aviation economic ecosystem:
• International and regional aviation hub
• Smart logistics and cargo center
• Commercial, service, and support facilities
• Integrated future city and transport development
This is an airport designed to grow organically, not a standalone facility.
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What Happens to the Existing Airport?
Once the Tanjung Embang airport becomes operational:
• Kuching International Airport will be converted into a domestic airport
• The two airports will be connected via the ART autonomous rail transit system
• Operational model similar to KLIA and KLIA2
📍 Clear separation of domestic and international routes
📍 Smoother transfers
📍 Significantly enhanced passenger experience
Sarawak’s Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim, estimates that the overall airport and ART system plan could be progressively implemented within five years.
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Land Acquisition and Surrounding Development
Areas involved in the project include:
• Kampung Kissing
• Kampung Beradek
• Kampung Tiang Api
• Kampung Sungai Tanju
Land acquisition notices have been issued under Sections 47 and 48 of the Land Code, and affected landowners will be compensated in accordance with the law.
The government emphasizes that:
🚧 The airport will not be developed in isolation
• Surrounding roads
• Infrastructure
• Regional transport networks
will be developed in tandem, as an airport without integrated connectivity would lose its purpose.
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A Key Piece of Sarawak 2030
The Tanjung Embang New International Airport is:
• One of Sarawak’s three major priority infrastructure projects
• Part of the RM100 billion state-level infrastructure development plan
• Strategically linked with deep-sea ports, logistics corridors, and other mega projects
Combined with the state’s acquisition and revitalization of AirBorneo, Sarawak will directly control:
✈️ Its airport infrastructure
✈️ Its own airline
✈️ Regional air connectivity and aviation rights
This level of integration is extremely rare among Malaysian states.
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Strategic Importance and Long-Term Impact
1️⃣ Enhanced international air connectivity for Sarawak
2️⃣ Attraction of foreign investment and multinational companies
3️⃣ Growth in tourism, logistics, trade, and the MICE economy
4️⃣ Creation of large-scale employment (construction, IT, aviation, services)
5️⃣ Strengthened position as Borneo’s aviation gateway
6️⃣ Ample capacity reserved for the next 20–30 years of growth
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📍 The Tanjung Embang New International Airport is not just transport infrastructure.
It is a gateway connecting Sarawak to the world,
a project that will reshape urban development,
and a decisive step toward Sarawak’s presence on the global stage.
When a world-class airport meets a homegrown aviation ecosystem,
do you think Sarawak’s future will become even more attractive to international travelers and investors?
