Overview
Long Banga Airport is in a rural village in the Marudi division of Sarawak in Malaysia and the state capital of Kuching is approximately 590 kilometres away. The village dates back to around 1900 and takes its name from the small river that runs close by. The airport sits in a V shaped dip in the river and the access from the village is across the runway.
In 2010 the Prime Minister, Dato´Seri Najib, visited the village causing great excitement amongst the residents who had worked hard to make sure it was a memorable visit. Najib announced a new RM1 million access to the airport as well as a RM6 million scheme for a mini hydroelectric system.
Malaysia Berhad Holdings operate the government owned Long Banga Airport.
History
Until 1965 the airport was a small grass airstrip for military use but then the British Army improved the runway with the aid of a bulldozer that the RAF parachuted in. Even as late as the mid 1980’s the only civilian access was by river but by the end of the same decade the isolated village had become accessible by Twin Otter aircraft and helicopters.
Flights and Destinations
Malaysia Airlines and MASwings fly to Miri and Marudi
The airport at Long Banga is a domestic airport but there are plenty of flights available which in turn can connect you with international routes.
Terminal
The airport although small is well cared for and there is a little reception building.
Transport To and From the Airport
The furthest point of Long Banga village is the primary school and even this is only just over a kilometre from the airport. So transport is not really essential unless you are going to use the logging tracks to go slightly further away. To use the logging tracks will require a four wheel drive as the conditions of the tracks are invariably bad. These arrangements will need to be made in advance of your trip.
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