Long Seridan Airport (ODN)

Long Seridan Airport (IATA: ODN, ICAO: WBGI) is a small Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) airfield that serves as an essential air link for the remote settlement of Long Seridan in the interior of Sarawak, Malaysia. Its primary role is not tourism but to provide a vital connection for the local Kelabit and Penan communities, enabling access to medical services, education, and supplies from larger towns. The airport is a critical piece of infrastructure in a region where land travel is often difficult and time-consuming, functioning as a lifeline to the outside world.

The airport's history is closely tied to the development of the region by missionary groups. It was established after World War II, primarily by the Borneo Evangelical Mission, to support their work and provide access to the isolated communities of the upper Baram and Tutoh river basins. For decades, it has been instrumental in facilitating transportation for residents, government officials, and medical personnel. Its significance lies in its continued function as a public service, connecting a remote population to the rest of the country under the government-subsidized Rural Air Services (RAS) program.

Located adjacent to the Long Seridan village, the airport is easily accessible on foot for local residents. For visitors, reaching Long Seridan itself is the main challenge. The primary method of arrival and departure is by air, as overland journeys from cities like Miri involve extensive travel on rugged logging tracks, which can take many hours or even days and are often impassable depending on weather conditions.

Operations at Long Seridan Airport are exclusively domestic and handled by MASwings, the regional community airline for East Malaysia. The airline operates DHC-6 Twin Otter turboprop aircraft, which are well-suited for the short runway and challenging terrain. Scheduled flights connect Long Seridan with Miri (MYY) and Marudi (MUR), serving a low volume of passengers daily. These flights are essential for community mobility and are not commercial tourist routes.

Traveler facilities at the airport are minimal, reflecting its small scale and functional purpose. There is a single, small building that serves as a terminal, containing a basic check-in counter, a simple waiting area, and public restrooms. Visitors should not expect to find any retail shops, restaurants, or passenger lounges. All necessary supplies should be brought with you before departing from a larger town.

For those traveling through Long Seridan, it is crucial to pre-arrange all onward transportation and accommodation, as services are extremely limited upon arrival. While the check-in process is straightforward, arriving at least an hour before departure is recommended. Travelers should also maintain a flexible itinerary, as flights on Rural Air Services routes are highly susceptible to delays or cancellations due to weather conditions in the highlands.