BARIO: The upgrading works for the Bario Short Take-Off and Landing airport (STOLport), currently underway, are expected to enhance operational efficiency and safety standards, enabling Twin Otter aircrafts to operate at full capacity with 19 passengers per flight.

Sarawak Minister for Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said at present, the use of the existing runway is limited to only nine passengers per flight in accordance with safety regulations set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).

"Once the upgrading works which include the extension and resurfacing of the runway are completed, the aircraft weight limit and the number of passengers can be increased.

"This will enable Twin Otter aircrafts to carry a maximum capacity of 19 passengers safely, which will greatly benefit the rural community in Bario," he said.

He said this in a press statement on a site visit to the Bario STOLport to review the progress of the project implementation on Tuesday.

As of May 2025, the actual physical progress of the project stands at 30.46 per cent, exceeding the scheduled target of 26.63 per cent by 3.83 per cent.

The site handover date was 4 September 2024, with project completion scheduled for 3 March 2026, spanning an 18-month contract period.

The Bario STOLport upgrading project is being implemented with an allocation exceeding RM20 million, fully funded by the Federal Government through the Malaysian Ministry of Transport.

The main scope of the project involves extending the existing runway from 671 metres to 930 metres with a width of 18 metres, allowing aircraft to take off at full load capacity, including baggage.

Meanwhile, Dato Sri Lee explained that flight operations at the Bario STOLport are subject to weather conditions, with all scheduled flights permitted only until 4 p.m. daily.

In this regard, he will discuss with Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) and Mulu Assemblyman, Datuk Gerawat Gala to explore solutions for accommodating more passengers during festive periods such as Pesta Nukenen and Christmas, including assessing the need to increase flight frequency to further improve air connectivity to Bario.

In addition, the project includes resurfacing the existing runway to enhance surface durability and safety, constructing a new clearway to improve aircraft take-off performance, installing a new perimeter security fence, as well as a wind direction indicator and an updated Meteorological Automatic Weather System (AWS) to assist with weather monitoring and flight planning.

Beyond the current scope, Dato Sri Lee said his ministry has also applied for additional funding from the Federal Government to construct an extended dual-use aircraft parking apron to accommodate two DHC6 Twin Otter aircrafts and two EC175 helicopters, along with a new connecting taxiway.

“Other proposed upgrades include resurfacing the car park area in front of the terminal building to improve convenience for users and enhance the overall appearance of the airport.

“These improvements are seen as crucial to ensure the Bario STOLport operates more efficiently and comfortably,” he added. -UKASnews