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Batik Air Launches Direct Langkawi – Tashkent Flights

Batik Air Malaysia is expanding its international network with the launch of a new direct service between Langkawi International Airport (LGK) and Tashkent International Airport (TAS), strengthening connectivity between northern Malaysia and Central Asia.

New Central Asia route from Langkawi

The new Langkawi – Tashkent route will commence on 14 December 2025 and operate once weekly. The service responds to growing demand from the Uzbekistan market and reflects Langkawi’s rising popularity among Central Asian travellers seeking tropical destinations.

The route complements Batik Air’s existing Kuala Lumpur – Tashkent service, offering travellers greater flexibility and direct access to Langkawi without the need to transit via Kuala Lumpur.

Boosting tourism to Langkawi

Known as the jewel of Kedah, Langkawi continues to attract international visitors with its pristine beaches, lush rainforests and UNESCO Global Geopark status. The new connection supports Malaysia’s tourism ambitions ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), positioning Langkawi as a key international gateway for northern Malaysia.

The Langkawi – Tashkent service is expected to drive tourist arrivals while supporting business and cultural exchanges between Malaysia and Uzbekistan.

Strengthening Malaysia–Uzbekistan connectivity

Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital, is gaining increasing attention from global travellers for its blend of history, culture and modern urban development. By linking Tashkent directly with Langkawi, Batik Air is opening new opportunities for tourism growth, economic cooperation and cross-cultural exchange.

Network expansion ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026

The launch marks a significant milestone in Batik Air’s ongoing network expansion, reinforcing its commitment to connecting Malaysia with emerging international markets. The new route strengthens Langkawi’s role as an international tourism and trade gateway while enhancing travel convenience for passengers.

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Batik Air to Launch Nine New Routes in Major Regional Expansion

Batik Air Malaysia is set to carry out one of its largest network expansions to date with the launch of nine new routes, all scheduled to commence on 8 December 2025. The move marks a significant step in strengthening regional connectivity across Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

Subang Airport at the centre of expansion

A key pillar of the expansion is Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang (SZB), Kuala Lumpur’s city airport, which will play a central role in Batik Air’s growth strategy. New routes from Subang will connect passengers to Singapore, Jakarta, Langkawi and Johor Bahru, offering faster and more convenient access for travellers in the Klang Valley.

The expansion supports the government’s Subang Airport Regeneration Plan (SARP), reinforcing Subang’s transformation into a modern regional hub focused on efficiency, accessibility and seamless domestic and regional travel.

Penang strengthens its role as a northern hub

Penang International Airport (PEN) will also see a strengthened role within Batik Air’s network. New services from Penang to Singapore, Medan, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu will enhance links between northern Malaysia, East Malaysia and neighbouring countries.

Routes such as Penang – Kota Kinabalu are expected to support both tourism and business travel, reinforcing Penang’s growing importance as a regional connector.

Ipoh joins Batik Air’s growing network

The expansion introduces Ipoh as a new destination in Batik Air’s network, with direct flights between Ipoh and Singapore. Operated from Sultan Azlan Shah Airport (IPH), the route improves access to Perak’s capital, which has become increasingly popular for its heritage attractions, food scene and proximity to natural destinations.

Singapore remains a key regional market

Singapore continues to be one of the most in-demand destinations for Malaysian travellers. From November 2025, all Lion Group airlines, including Batik Air, will operate from Changi Airport Terminal 4, enhancing the passenger experience with improved facilities and smoother airport processes.

Full list of new routes launching on 8 December 2025

  • Subang – Singapore
  • Subang – Jakarta
  • Subang – Langkawi
  • Subang – Johor Bahru
  • Penang – Singapore
  • Penang – Medan
  • Penang – Kuching
  • Penang – Kota Kinabalu
  • Ipoh – Singapore

Supporting Visit Malaysia 2026

The large-scale launch reflects Batik Air’s strategy to connect secondary cities, strengthen ASEAN travel corridors and support tourism growth ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026. By expanding access from key domestic hubs and linking them with selected international destinations, the airline aims to deliver greater choice, convenience and seamless regional travel.

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Hainan Airlines Launches Direct Kuala Lumpur – Haikou Flights at KLIA

KL International Airport (KLIA) has marked a new connectivity milestone with the launch of Hainan Airlines’ inaugural direct service between Kuala Lumpur and Haikou, further strengthening air links between Malaysia and China.

New four-times-weekly service

The direct Kuala Lumpur – Haikou flight commenced on 30 May 2025 and operates four times weekly. The route supports Malaysia Airports’ strategy to expand connectivity with China, one of its key growth markets for trade, tourism and long-term network development.

Expanded access across China and beyond

The new service provides Malaysian travellers with faster access to Hainan, while also enabling convenient onward connections via Haikou to more than 50 cities across China.

International connections via Haikou include major destinations such as London, Bangkok, Tokyo and Hong Kong. The city is also emerging as a strategic transit gateway between China and the Middle East, with onward connections to cities including Dubai and Jeddah.

Strengthening KLIA’s role as a regional gateway

Malaysia Airports highlighted that the route expansion reinforces KLIA’s role in driving connectivity-led growth by improving accessibility between Malaysia and key international markets.

The Kuala Lumpur – Haikou route is expected to support tourism flows, business travel and economic exchange between Malaysia, China and onward destinations.

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