Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) relaunched its flights to Balikpapan, Indonesia, yesterday with the inaugural flight departing from Brunei International Airport at 7pm. Among those onboard were RB Board of Director Colonel (Rtd) Norsuriati binti Haji Sharbini and RB Chief Executive Officer Captain Sabirin bin Haji Abdul Hamid.
A Doa Selamat was held at the airport, led by imam Haji Mohammad Ashraf bin Haji Bujang.
Passengers received exclusive RB merchandise to commemorate the occasion.
Captain Sabirin expressing RB’s commitment to reconnecting Brunei and Balikpapan, stated, “This service acts as a bridge between communities, supporting economic and tourism growth in the region. With East Kalimantan emerging as a focal point for Indonesia’s development, we are honoured to facilitate seamless travel for business and leisure.” The route enhances RB’s presence in ASEAN and BIMP-EAGA, strengthening regional ties and boosting tourism and business opportunities.
Brunei Darussalam also welcomed passengers from the inaugural Balikpapan-Brunei flight with a cultural reception at Brunei International Airport. Representatives from the Tourism Development Department at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism and RB attended the event.
Tourism Development Department Director Salinah binti Haji Mohd Salleh highlighting the growing connectivity, stated, “Strengthening our links not only enhances travel but also deepens cultural and business exchanges between Brunei and Indonesia.”
Indonesia remains one of Brunei’s top 10 tourism markets, with 25,974 arrivals recorded as of December 2024, surpassing the 13,672 arrivals in 2023.
