PENANG, MALAYSIA December 9, 2025 – Batik Air has officially launched two new international routes from Penang International Airport (PEN), connecting the city directly to Singapore (SIN) and Kualanamu, Medan (KNO) in Indonesia. The inaugural flights, which took off on December 8, aim to enhance Penang’s role as a key northern gateway for tourism, business, and medical travel in Malaysia.
The expansion comes amid surging travel demand in the region. Singapore continues to be Malaysia’s top source of international visitors, with 14.0 million arrivals recorded from January to August 2025—a robust 18.1% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The new Penang-Singapore service is expected to cater to short-haul leisure seekers, weekend travelers, and business professionals, providing easier access to Penang’s UNESCO-listed cultural heritage, renowned street food, and dynamic attractions.
On the Indonesian front, the Penang-Medan route targets the growing interest in medical and wellness tourism. Indonesian visitors can now more conveniently reach Penang’s acclaimed healthcare facilities, while also exploring leisure options across northern Malaysia.
Batik Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, highlighted the strategic importance of the move. “Penang has long been a strategic base for Batik Air in northern Malaysia. Alongside our existing services to Kuala Lumpur (KLIA and SZB) and Jakarta (CGK), these new routes to Singapore and Medan strengthen the city’s role as a northern hub, providing travellers with direct access to key regional markets,” he said.
Muthy added that the initiative aligns with Batik Air’s vision for a “future-ready network” ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. “These connections will play an important role in welcoming more visitors to the region and showcasing all that Penang and northern Malaysia have to offer,” he noted.
Local officials echoed the enthusiasm. Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Wong Hon Wai, described the launches as a vote of confidence in the state’s potential. “Batik Air’s continued expansion in Penang reflects the growing confidence in our state as the premier gateway to Northern Malaysia. These routes will not only enhance regional connectivity but also support local industries by opening more doors for international visitors,” Wong said. He emphasized collaboration with airlines to prepare for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and Malaysia Medical Tourism Year 2026.
Tourism Malaysia’s Deputy Director General Promotion (II), YBBrs. Mr. Samuel Lee, also welcomed the development. “With the new direct routes, Malaysia’s visibility as a tourist destination will be enhanced as Penang becomes more accessible for visitors. This effort will certainly contribute to the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) target of 47 million international visitors,” Lee stated. He pointed to Penang’s diverse appeals, including its colonial heritage, natural landscapes, and adventure parks, as key draws for global travelers.
The new routes build on Batik Air’s existing operations from Penang, fostering stronger ties with Singapore and Indonesia. Travelers interested in booking can use the Batik Air mobile app or visit www.batikair.com.my for details.
Batik Air, part of the Lion Air Group, operates a fleet of six A330-300 and 46 B737-8/800 aircraft, serving over 60 destinations in 20 countries with 1,400 weekly flights. The airline carried 6.6 million passengers in 2024, up from 4.5 million in 2023, and holds full IATA membership along with IOSA certification.
This expansion is poised to boost economic ties and tourism recovery in the post-pandemic era, making Penang an even more attractive entry point to Southeast Asia.
