Tourism Malaysia welcomes a new AirAsia service connecting Batam and Kuala Lumpur, reinforcing regional travel links and supporting the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) initiative
SEPANG — Tourism Malaysia has officially welcomed the inaugural AirAsia Malaysia flight AK471 from Batam, Indonesia, which arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2 at 11.15 a.m. The milestone arrival was received by representatives from Tourism Malaysia, alongside key partners from AirAsia and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), marking a significant step forward in regional connectivity.
The introduction of this new route reflects a strategic effort to strengthen travel links between Malaysia and Indonesia’s emerging second-tier cities, particularly within the Riau Archipelago. As one of Malaysia’s primary tourism markets, Indonesia continues to play a vital role, alongside other priority markets such as China, India, and Australia. This expansion is expected to further enhance accessibility and drive visitor arrivals in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).
The inaugural flight carried 180 passengers, achieving a full load factor on the Airbus A320. Travellers on board comprised a diverse mix, predominantly from Indonesia, as well as visitors from China and Singapore. The route will operate daily, with departures from Kuala Lumpur at 8.05 a.m. and return flights from Batam at 8.45 a.m. (WIB), offering convenient travel options for both leisure and business passengers.
Mr Mohd Amirul Rizal bin Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, highlighted the importance of enhanced connectivity in driving tourism growth. He emphasised that each new route contributes to building momentum towards VM2026, reflecting strong industry confidence in Malaysia’s tourism offerings and reinforcing the country’s position as a preferred destination within Southeast Asia.
Echoing this sentiment, Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra, General Manager of AirAsia Malaysia, noted that the Batam–Kuala Lumpur service underscores the airline’s commitment to improving regional connectivity. He added that Batam serves as a key gateway within the Riau Islands, and the new route will provide affordable and efficient travel options while supporting tourism development aligned with VM2026.
With visitor arrivals from Indonesia reaching 4.3 million in 2025—a 2.9 per cent increase from the previous year—the new direct connection is expected to further boost tourism numbers in 2026. The collaboration between Tourism Malaysia and the aviation sector remains integral to ensuring the success of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.
Source: Tourism Malaysia
