Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan (ANTARA) - South Kalimantan Governor Muhidin is confirmed to be on AirAsia inaugural flight from Banjarmasin to Kuala Lumpur, scheduled to depart from Syamsudin Noor International Airport on October 20, 2025.
"The Governor will lead the first group on inaugural flight from Banjarmasin to Malaysia," said South Kalimanta Regional Secretary Muhammad Syarifuddin at the launch of Banjarmasin-Kuala Lumpur route by AirAsia in Banjarbaru, Monday.
Syarifuddin, concurrently acting Head of Tourism Office, welcomed AirAsia as the first internasional airline to connect Kuala Lumpur directly with Banjarmasin.
He envisoned this international flight service will further increasing international tourist visits, extending their stay, and open up greater opportunities in trade, tourism, and investment in line with the regional development plan.
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"This is an important milestone in unlocking South Kalimantan's full potential as a tourist destination. We have Loksado in Meratus Mountains, many exotic beaches and world-renowned floating market," he said.
He said the bigger potential of South Kalimantan to attract tourists can be seen from the latest data.
In July 2025, South Kalimantan recorded 1.49 million domestic tourist visits, increased by 77 percent compared to previous year, with star-rated hotel occcupancy rate of52.17 percent.
To this end, he said, Kuala Lumpur-Banjarmasin route will provide easier access for tourists to South Kalimantan, a region known for its rich culture, natural beauty, and rapid growing economic potential.
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Meanwhile, Director of Government Relations of AirAsia Malaysia Zamani bin Mohd Rafique said that as a low-cost carrier with the most extensivee network operating in Indonesia, he is pleased to expand connectivity through the new service of Kuala Lumpur–Banjarmasin.
Following the recent launch of Palembang, Semarang, and Pontianak route, this route will further enrich the network and provides added value, affordability, and convenience for guests.
He acknowledged that Indonesia is one of the very strategic and rapid growing markets.
With 229 weekly flights, AirAsia is proud to play a key role in strengthening bilateral relation, encouraging tourism growth, and opening up more business and travel opportunities between Malaysia and Indonesia.
"This latest expansion is present here in line with Indonesia's target to attract 16 million foreign tourist visits in 2025, and Malaysia has consistently been one of the main market," said Zamani who was present in Banjarbaru representing CEO of AirAsia Malaysia Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra.
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