Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan (ANTARA) - A total of 180 passengers flew today from Syamsudin Noor International Airport Banjarmasin to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, marking the beginning of international flight from the largest airport in South Kalimantan.
"All 180 seats are fully occupied. We are proud to be the first to open international route at Syamsudin Noor Airport," said AirAsia Malaysia's Director of Government Relations Zamani bin Mohd Rafique in Banjarbaru, Monday.
AirAsia flight number AK 441 took off at 10.15 a.m. Wita (Central Indonesia Time) and was scheduled to arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 13.05 p.m. local time.
The aircraft previously landed in Banjarmasin at 09.30 a.m. Wita carrying 79 passengers from Kuala Lumpur.
Zamani said the timing of the inaugural flight was even more substantial as AirAsia had just received an award at the World Travel Awards Asia and Oceania 2025, coinciding with Kuala Lumpur being name as the the world's best low-cost carrier hub by Official Airline Guide (OAG).
While this route also expands travel options for AirAsia passengers from Banjarmasin through an extensive Fly-Thru network connecting more than 130 destinations worldwide.
AirAsia is a foreign airline with the most extensive nework in Indonesia serving 18 destination and continue to grow.
Banjarmasin-Kuala Lumpur route is expected to strenghten community ties, increasing travel and trade flow, and promoting the unique river culture of South Kalimantan and its potential to continue to grow as a must-visit muslim friendly tourist destination.
General Manager of InJourney Airports for Syamsudin Noor International Airport Stephanus Millyas Wardana ensured that the infratructure and staff resources are fully equipped to welcome international flight.
The main facilities, such as international departure and arrival, he said, have met the international aviation standards.
Supporting facilities, such as customs, immigration and quarantine had been coordinated with relevant agencies.
Deputy Governor of South Kalimantan Hasnuryadi Sulaiman also enthusiastically welcomed the direct flight to Malaysia at the Bumi Lambung Mangkurat (South Kalimantan's nickname).
"This certainly open up opportunities to increase foregn tourist visits to South Kalimantan. We must improve our tourism sector to make it welcoming to foreign tourists and ensure their comfort during their stay," he said.
