About Royal Brunei Airlines
Royal Brunei Airlines is the national flag carrier of Brunei Darussalam, operating under IATA code BI and ICAO code RBA. Headquartered in Bandar Seri Begawan, the airline was established on 18 November 1974 and is wholly owned by the Government of Brunei. Royal Brunei Airlines operates scheduled passenger and cargo services from its hub at Brunei International Airport (BWN), connecting travellers across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, East Asia, Oceania, and Europe.
As a full-service carrier, the airline offers complimentary checked baggage, halal-certified in-flight meals, and a choice of Economy and Business Class cabins. Royal Brunei Airlines is also a dry airline, meaning no alcoholic beverages are served on board, in accordance with Islamic principles. The airline's frequent flyer programme, Royal Skies, rewards loyal passengers with miles that can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, and other benefits.
Airline Overview and History
Royal Brunei Airlines has a rich history spanning over five decades, growing from a small regional operator to a respected international carrier. Key milestones include:
- 18 November 1974 — Royal Brunei Airlines established with two Boeing 737-200 aircraft
- 14 May 1975 — Maiden flight from Brunei International Airport to Singapore, with services to Hong Kong, Kota Kinabalu, and Kuching launched on the same day
- Mid-1980s — Three Boeing 757-200 aircraft purchased, enabling expansion to Taipei (1986) and Dubai (1988)
- June 1990 — Historic non-stop flight from Seattle to Mombasa/Nairobi covering 14,856 km in 18 hours, recognised by The Guinness Book of Records in 1992
- 1990s — Fleet expanded with Boeing 767 deliveries, growing the wide-body fleet for long-haul routes
- October 2013 — Became the first Southeast Asian carrier to take delivery of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner
- 2024 — Ordered four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners at the Singapore Airshow to renew and expand its wide-body fleet
Brunei International Airport (BWN) in Bandar Seri Begawan serves as the airline's hub, providing connections to over 20 destinations across 17 countries. From this strategic location on the island of Borneo, Royal Brunei Airlines links Southeast Asia with major cities in the Middle East, East Asia, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The airline's mission is to be a world-class carrier that reflects the warmth, hospitality, and cultural heritage of Brunei Darussalam.
Fleet and Aircraft
Royal Brunei Airlines operates a modern fleet of 14 aircraft across three types, serving both regional and long-haul routes. The fleet includes:
- Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner — Five aircraft used for long-haul services to destinations such as London, Melbourne, Dubai, Tokyo, and Seoul. Configured with 18 Business Class and 236 Economy Class seats. Features include lie-flat Business Class seats, personal in-flight entertainment screens at every seat, USB charging ports, and in-seat power outlets
- Airbus A320neo — Seven aircraft deployed on regional routes across Southeast Asia, East Asia, and within Borneo. Configured with 12 Business Class and 138 Economy Class seats. The A320neo fleet is the world's first narrow-body fitted with the Thales Avant Gen5 in-flight entertainment system
- Airbus A320-200 — Two aircraft used on shorter regional routes. Configured for both Business and Economy Class seating
All aircraft are maintained to the highest international safety and airworthiness standards, with regular checks conducted in accordance with Brunei's Department of Civil Aviation regulations and international best practices. The upcoming delivery of four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will further modernise the fleet and support the airline's growth on long-haul routes.
Top Flight Routes
Royal Brunei Airlines connects Malaysia to Brunei and beyond through several key routes. For Malaysian travellers, the airline offers convenient direct flights as well as connections through its Bandar Seri Begawan hub to destinations across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Direct Routes from Malaysia
- Kuala Lumpur to Bandar Seri Begawan — The most popular Royal Brunei route from Malaysia, with a flight time of approximately 2 hours 20 minutes. Ideal for business travellers, holidaymakers visiting Brunei's rainforests and mosques, and passengers connecting onward to London, Melbourne, or Dubai
- Kota Kinabalu to Bandar Seri Begawan — A short 40-minute hop across Borneo, perfect for quick getaways and cross-border business travel between Sabah and Brunei
- Kuching to Bandar Seri Begawan — Connecting Sarawak to Brunei with a flight time of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, a popular route for Borneo island exploration
Popular Connecting Destinations via Bandar Seri Begawan
From the Bandar Seri Begawan hub, Malaysian travellers can connect to a wide network of international destinations served by Royal Brunei Airlines:
Travellers can search for the latest available routes, schedules, and fares directly on Traveloka, where real-time flight availability and pricing are displayed for all Royal Brunei Airlines routes.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Royal Brunei Airlines offers generous complimentary baggage allowances as a full-service carrier. Understanding the baggage policy before your trip helps you pack efficiently and avoid unexpected charges.
Cabin Baggage
- Economy Class: One piece of cabin baggage, maximum 7 kg, with dimensions not exceeding 55 x 38 x 20 cm
- Business Class: Two pieces of cabin baggage, each not exceeding 7 kg, with a combined weight of no more than 12 kg. Each piece must fit within 55 x 38 x 20 cm
- Additional items: One small personal item such as a handbag, laptop bag, or duty-free shopping bag is allowed in addition to the cabin baggage allowance, provided it fits under the seat in front of you
Checked Baggage
- Economy Class: 20 kg free checked baggage allowance
- Business Class: 40 kg free checked baggage allowance
- Maximum weight per piece: 32 kg — any single item exceeding 32 kg must be split into separate pieces
- Maximum dimensions: Total linear dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 158 cm (62 inches)
- Student allowance: Students travelling to or from their country of study receive an additional 15 kg of free checked baggage upon presenting a valid student visa and student ID at check-in
Excess and Pre-Purchased Baggage
Passengers who need additional baggage beyond the free allowance can pre-purchase extra checked baggage in increments of 5 kg, 10 kg, 20 kg, or 35 kg. Pre-purchasing baggage online is available up to 24 hours before departure through Manage My Booking, or up to 4 hours before departure through Royal Brunei Airlines offices. Pre-purchased rates are typically more affordable than airport excess baggage charges.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
- Dangerous goods, flammable materials, explosives, and sharp objects are prohibited in both cabin and checked baggage
- Lithium batteries, power banks, and electronic cigarettes must be carried in cabin baggage only
- Sporting equipment, musical instruments, and oversized items may require advance arrangements — contact the airline before your flight
Check-in Guide
Airport Counter Check-in
Airport check-in counters open 3 hours before the scheduled departure time for all Royal Brunei Airlines flights. Important deadlines to note:
- Baggage drop-off deadline: 45 minutes before departure for all destinations, except London Heathrow which closes 60 minutes before departure
- Boarding gate closure: Passengers must be at the boarding gate at least 20 minutes before departure
Arriving at the airport early is especially recommended during peak travel periods such as school holidays, Hari Raya, and year-end festive seasons.
Online Check-in
Online check-in is available through the Royal Brunei Airlines website at flyroyalbrunei.com. The online check-in window opens:
- Opens: 48 hours before scheduled departure
- Closes: 60 minutes before scheduled departure
After completing online check-in, passengers with checked baggage can proceed directly to the baggage drop counter at the airport. Passengers with cabin baggage only can head straight to the security screening checkpoint and departure gate.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Business Class
Royal Brunei Airlines Business Class is available on both the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and Airbus A320neo fleets. On the 787-8 Dreamliner, Business Class features:
- 18 lie-flat seats arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration
- Generous seat pitch of 79 inches (201 cm) and seat width of 21 inches (53 cm)
- 15.4-inch personal touchscreen entertainment system with remote control
- In-seat power outlets and USB charging ports
- Multi-course halal dining with premium menu selections
- Royal Brunei Business Class lounge access at Brunei International Airport
On the A320neo, Business Class offers 12 seats with enhanced legroom and priority service, ideal for regional flights.
Economy Class
Economy Class on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner features:
- 236 seats in a 3-3-3 configuration
- Seat pitch of 33 inches (84 cm) and seat width of 17.2 inches (44 cm)
- 9-inch personal touchscreen entertainment system with USB charging and in-seat power outlets
- Complimentary halal meals and non-alcoholic beverages on all flights
On the A320neo, Economy Class offers 138 seats with the world's first Thales Avant Gen5 in-flight entertainment system on a narrow-body aircraft.
In-Flight Meals
All meals served on Royal Brunei Airlines are halal-certified. Complimentary meal service is provided on all flights, with the selection varying based on flight duration and route:
- Long-haul flights: Full meal service with a choice of up to three main course options, appetiser, dessert, and beverages
- Regional flights: Light meal or snack service with beverages
- Special dietary meals: Up to 18 different special meal options are available, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, low-sodium, and child-friendly meals. Special meals must be pre-ordered at least 24 hours before departure
As a dry airline, Royal Brunei Airlines does not serve alcoholic beverages on any flight. A selection of non-alcoholic drinks including juices, soft drinks, tea, and coffee is offered complimentary throughout the flight.
In-Flight Entertainment
Royal Brunei Airlines provides personal in-flight entertainment screens at every seat across both cabin classes on the Boeing 787-8 and A320neo fleets. The entertainment system offers a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games on demand (AVOD). Passengers can also bring personal electronic devices and use the onboard USB charging ports and power outlets throughout the flight.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
Travelling with Children and Infants
- Children (2–11 years): Require their own seat and ticket. Must be accompanied by at least one adult aged 18 or above. Child fares may be available on certain routes
- Infants (under 2 years / 24 months): May travel on an accompanying adult's lap at approximately 10% of the adult fare plus taxes. Only one lap infant is allowed per adult. Bassinet seats are available in the front rows of Economy Class on the Boeing 787-8, suitable for infants up to 12 months old
- Required documents: Valid passport or birth certificate for all child and infant passengers
- Strollers and car seats can be checked at the boarding gate free of charge
Pregnant Passengers
- Up to 28 weeks: Pregnant passengers may fly without a medical certificate
- 28 to 36 weeks: A medical fitness-to-fly certificate is required, dated no more than 7 days before the date of travel, confirming the passenger is medically fit to fly
- Beyond 36 weeks: Travel is not permitted on Royal Brunei Airlines flights
Pregnant passengers are advised to consult their healthcare provider before booking any flight.
Unaccompanied Minors
- Children aged 6–11 years: Eligible for the Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) service, which provides supervision from departure to arrival
- Children aged 12–15 years: UMNR service is optional and can be requested by parents or guardians
- Children under 6 years: Must be accompanied by an adult at all times and are not eligible for the UMNR service
Arrangements for the Unaccompanied Minor service must be made at least 48 hours in advance. Unaccompanied Minors are not permitted on flights that involve a transfer with a night stop exceeding 24 hours. Parents or guardians must ensure a designated responsible adult aged 18 or above is present at both the departure and arrival airports.
Passengers Requiring Special Assistance
Royal Brunei Airlines provides assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, visual or hearing impairments, medical conditions, or other special needs:
- Wheelchair assistance from check-in through boarding and disembarkation
- Priority seating arrangements
- In-flight support from trained cabin crew
- Acceptance of portable oxygen concentrators and mobility aids on board
Passengers who require special assistance or wish to bring medical equipment on board should notify the airline at least 48 hours before departure to ensure appropriate arrangements are made.
Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
Rescheduling Flights
To reschedule a Royal Brunei Airlines flight booked through Traveloka:
- Open the Traveloka app or visit traveloka.com and go to My Booking
- Select the booking you wish to modify
- Choose the reschedule option and select a new flight date or time
- Pay any applicable rescheduling fees or fare differences
Rescheduling availability and fees depend on your fare type. Flexible fares typically allow changes with lower or waived fees, while promotional fares may have stricter conditions or higher change fees.
Cancellations and Refunds
Refund eligibility varies based on your ticket type:
- Fully refundable fares: Cancel and receive a full refund to your original payment method
- Partially refundable fares: A cancellation fee is deducted from the refund amount
- Non-refundable promotional fares: May be converted into travel credit or voucher for future bookings, subject to the fare rules
To request a cancellation or refund, visit your booking details on the Traveloka app or website and follow the guided process. Refund processing typically takes 7 to 30 business days depending on the payment method used.
Airline-Initiated Cancellations
If Royal Brunei Airlines cancels a flight, passengers are generally entitled to a full refund or rebooking on the next available flight at no additional cost. Traveloka's 24/7 customer support team can assist with rebooking and refund requests.
Why Book Royal Brunei Airlines Flights on Traveloka
Booking Royal Brunei Airlines flights through Traveloka offers a seamless and rewarding experience. Here are the top reasons to book on Traveloka:
- Competitive pricing — Access exclusive deals, promotional fares, and discounts not available elsewhere
- Easy comparison — Sort and filter flights by price, departure time, duration, number of stops, and airline to find the perfect flight
- Flexible payment options — Pay with credit or debit cards, bank transfers, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, or choose convenient instalment plans
- Instant e-ticket — Receive your booking confirmation and e-ticket immediately via email and the Traveloka app
- 24/7 customer support — A multilingual support team is available around the clock for booking assistance, changes, and travel queries
- Loyalty rewards — Earn Traveloka Points, enjoy cashback, and access member-exclusive deals and promotions
- All-in-one platform — Book flights, hotels, airport transfers, travel insurance, and activities all in one place for a hassle-free trip
Tips for Finding Cheap Royal Brunei Airlines Flights on Traveloka
Use these proven strategies to find the best fares when booking Royal Brunei Airlines flights on Traveloka:
- Book early — Flight prices generally increase as the departure date approaches. Booking 4 to 8 weeks in advance typically yields the best fares for regional routes
- Be flexible with travel dates — Use Traveloka's fare calendar to compare prices across different days. Even shifting your travel by a day or two can result in significant savings
- Fly midweek — Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to have lower fares compared to weekends and Mondays
- Set Price Alerts — Activate Traveloka's Price Alert feature to receive instant notifications when fares drop on your preferred route
- Check promotions regularly — Visit Traveloka's promotions page for flash sales, airline-specific deals, and exclusive promo codes
- Travel during off-peak seasons — Avoid school holidays, Hari Raya, Christmas, and Chinese New Year periods for lower fares
- Bundle your trip — Book flights and hotels together on Traveloka for additional package savings
- Use digital wallets — Some payment methods like Touch 'n Go eWallet and Boost offer additional cashback or discounts on Traveloka
How to Book Royal Brunei Airlines Flight Tickets on Traveloka
Follow these simple steps to book your Royal Brunei Airlines flight on Traveloka:
- Visit traveloka.com or open the Traveloka app and navigate to the Flights section
- Enter your departure city (e.g. Kuala Lumpur) and destination (e.g. Bandar Seri Begawan), select your travel dates, and specify the number of passengers
- Tap the search button to view all available flights for your route
- Sort results by price, departure time, or duration and select your preferred Royal Brunei Airlines flight
- Enter passenger details — full name (as shown on passport or ID), date of birth, nationality, and contact information
- Add optional extras such as additional baggage allowance, seat selection, or travel insurance
- Review your booking summary including total fare, taxes, and any add-ons
- Choose your preferred payment method — credit/debit card, bank transfer, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, or instalment plan
- Complete the payment and receive your e-ticket instantly via email and the Traveloka app
Save or screenshot your e-ticket for reference at the airport, and you are all set to fly with Royal Brunei Airlines. For any questions or changes to your booking, Traveloka's 24/7 customer support team is always ready to help.