Tag: Visit Malaysia 2026

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Malaysia Airports Handles 153.3 Million Passengers in 2025 as Visit Malaysia 2026 Begins

Passenger traffic across the Malaysia Airports Group’s global network reached 153.3 million passengers in 2025, highlighting strong travel momentum as Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) gets underway.

Strong growth across Malaysia’s airport network

Within Malaysia, the Group’s network of 39 airports handled a total of 104.4 million passengers during the year, representing an 11.2% year-on-year increase. Growth was supported by rising demand across both domestic and international travel segments.

December 2025 was the busiest operational month of the year, with 10 million passengers handled nationwide, a 15.5% increase compared to the same month in 2024. The festive peak between Christmas and New Year saw more than one million passengers processed over a concentrated three-day period, with operations remaining stable throughout.

Key airports record solid passenger gains

KL International Airport (KLIA) handled 6.1 million passengers in December, bringing its full-year total to 63.3 million passengers, up 10.8% year-on-year.

Other major airports also recorded strong growth during the month. Subang Airport (SZB) posted the highest month-on-month increase at 34.4%, rising to 191,000 passengers. Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) grew 23.5% to 802,000 passengers, Langkawi (LGK) increased 23% to 290,000 passengers, Penang (PEN) rose 12.2% to 772,000 passengers, while Kuching (KCH) recorded a 10.3% increase to 540,000 passengers.

New routes and airline partners boost connectivity

Passenger growth was supported by continued network expansion, with new airline partners and destinations added across Malaysia’s airport network. At KLIA, several new services were launched in December 2025, strengthening international and regional connectivity.

These included Xiamen Airlines’ thrice-weekly Hangzhou – Kuala Lumpur service and 9 Air’s three weekly flights from Hangzhou, both operating at KLIA Terminal 2. Hainan Airlines also introduced a twice-weekly Qionghai – Kuala Lumpur route.

Batik Air Malaysia expanded its network with six new services, including routes to Osaka (Kansai), Singapore from Ipoh, Subang and Penang, Kuala Namu, and Jakarta. Meanwhile, Firefly launched five weekly flights to Cebu, and Sichuan Airlines introduced three weekly services between Chongqing and Kuala Lumpur.

International operations in Türkiye

Beyond Malaysia, the Group’s international asset at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Türkiye handled 49.0 million passengers in 2025, marking a 17.5% year-on-year increase. In December alone, the airport processed 4.2 million passengers.

Focus on resilience ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026

As travel activity continues to build through Visit Malaysia 2026, Malaysia Airports remains focused on strengthening service resilience, enhancing capacity readiness and advancing partnership-led growth across its airport network.

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AirAsia Launches Direct Kuala Lumpur – Batam Flights

AirAsia Malaysia has strengthened cross-border connectivity between Malaysia and Indonesia with the launch of a new direct route between Kuala Lumpur and Batam, making travel between the two neighbouring countries more convenient.

New route expands Malaysia–Indonesia network

The Kuala Lumpur – Batam service marks a key milestone for AirAsia, expanding its network to 19 routes between Malaysia and Indonesia. In 2025, the airline carried nearly three million passengers between the two countries, underlining strong and sustained demand for regional travel.

Boost for tourism and Visit Malaysia 2026

Batam welcomed more than 120,000 international tourist visits in 2025, with Malaysian travellers accounting for 23% of the total. With the introduction of direct flights, AirAsia expects Malaysian visitor numbers to Batam to increase further.

The new route also supports the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, which targets 4.6 million Indonesian visitors, while aligning with Indonesia’s goal of attracting up to 17 million foreign tourists in 2026.

Daily flights and promotional fares

Daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Batam will commence on 13 March 2026. Promotional all-in one-way fares start from RM199 from Kuala Lumpur to Batam, while fares from Batam to Kuala Lumpur start from IDR 899,000.

The special fares are available for booking until 1 February 2026, for travel between 13 March and 24 October 2026, exclusively via the AirAsia MOVE app and the airline’s official website.

The Kuala Lumpur – Batam route is expected to appeal to both leisure and business travellers, offering easier access to AirAsia’s wider regional network via its Kuala Lumpur hub.

Batam as a regional leisure gateway

Located in Indonesia’s Riau Islands province, Batam is a popular leisure destination and a strategic gateway for travellers from Malaysia and Singapore. The island offers a mix of beaches, cultural attractions, family-friendly activities and modern shopping, alongside its role as an industrial and business centre.

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AirAsia X to Resume Direct Kuala Lumpur – Busan Flights from June 2026

AirAsia X to Resume Direct Kuala Lumpur – Busan Flights

AirAsia X has announced the resumption of direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Busan, restoring nonstop connectivity between Malaysia and South Korea’s second-largest city.

Direct flights return to Busan

The Kuala Lumpur – Busan service will restart on 17 June 2026, operating four times weekly. The route will become AirAsia X’s 21st destination and its second in South Korea, further strengthening the airline’s presence in North Asia.

With the relaunch, AirAsia X will remain the only airline in Malaysia offering direct flights on the Kuala Lumpur – Busan route.

Expanding North Asia network

The return of Busan builds on AirAsia X’s existing service to Seoul, reinforcing South Korea as a key growth market. The airline aims to stimulate new travel demand while supporting tourism flows ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.

Promotional fares for the relaunch

To celebrate the route’s return, AirAsia X is offering promotional all-in one-way fares from RM299 in Economy Class and RM999 in Premium Flatbed.

  • Booking period: Now until 18 January 2026
  • Travel period: 17 June – 30 November 2026

About Busan

Busan is a major coastal city known for its beaches, scenic mountains and vibrant cultural scene. Popular attractions include Jagalchi Fish Market, colourful hillside neighbourhoods, a renowned food culture and the internationally recognised Busan International Film Festival.

The resumed service is expected to appeal to both Malaysian travellers heading to South Korea and South Korean visitors travelling to Malaysia.

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Malaysia Airlines Resumes Direct Kuala Lumpur – Chengdu Flights

Malaysia Airlines has resumed direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Chengdu, strengthening connectivity between Malaysia and Western China while supporting inbound tourism under the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

Strong demand for inaugural service

The inaugural flight MH526 departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) Terminal 1 for Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) on 9 January 2026. The service recorded a strong outbound load factor of 91%, highlighting solid demand for the resumed route.

To mark the occasion, the flight was operated using Malaysia Airlines’ Manchester United-themed aircraft livery, a nod to the club’s strong fan base in Chengdu. Passengers were welcomed with a commemorative send-off event and received exclusive Malaysia Airlines merchandise as part of the celebration.

Expanded presence in Greater China

With the resumption of Chengdu services, Malaysia Airlines now serves seven destinations across the Greater China region. The Kuala Lumpur – Chengdu route operates up to seven times weekly, supporting both business and leisure travel between the two countries.

The route also enhances onward connectivity via Kuala Lumpur, allowing passengers to seamlessly connect to destinations across ASEAN, South Asia and Australasia. Key routes such as Kuala Lumpur – Chengdu are expected to benefit from increased two-way travel demand.

Visa-free travel and tourism growth

The timing of the route relaunch aligns with the extension of mutual visa-free travel arrangements between Malaysia and China. These measures allow for longer stays and are expected to stimulate higher travel flows in both directions, benefiting tourism and trade.

Broader Malaysia–China cooperation

The relaunch of the Chengdu route also reflects the broader strength of Malaysia–China relations across the Malaysia Aviation Group ecosystem. This follows MASkargo’s recent special cargo operation transporting Malaysia’s new giant pandas from Chengdu to Kuala Lumpur under a renewed bilateral conservation agreement.

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New Airline Routes Boost Malaysia’s Connectivity Ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026

Airline confidence in Malaysia’s aviation market remained strong in November and December 2025, with multiple carriers launching new routes across the Malaysia Airports network, further strengthening the country’s position as a key aviation hub in Southeast Asia.

New international and regional routes launched

Several airlines expanded their networks with new services to and within Malaysia. Spring Airlines launched flights from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur, followed by Xiamen Airlines introducing services from Hangzhou to Kuala Lumpur.

9 Air commenced flights linking Haikou with Kuching and Penang, while Hong Kong Express launched a new route connecting Hong Kong and Kota Kinabalu. TransNusa began operating flights between Jakarta and Penang, and Loong Air operated charter services from Shenzhen to Kuching.

Batik Air Malaysia further expanded its network with new services from Subang to Singapore, Jakarta, Kuala Namu, Kansai, Langkawi and Johor Bahru, as well as flights from Singapore to Ipoh and Penang, and a new international route between Tashkent and Langkawi.

Passenger traffic reflects growing demand

The expansion of airline networks was reflected in passenger traffic performance across Malaysia Airports. In November 2025, the local airport network recorded 8.7 million passenger movements, comprising 4.7 million international and 4.0 million domestic travellers.

KL International Airport (KLIA) handled 5.5 million passengers during the month, representing a 1% increase compared to October 2025. Including Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, total passenger movements across the Group reached 12.9 million in November.

Preparing for higher travel volumes

Malaysia Airports continues to focus on expanding air connectivity while improving airport efficiency in preparation for higher travel demand ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026. Close coordination with airline partners remains central to optimising schedules, managing capacity and ensuring smooth passenger flows.

Travel advice for peak periods

With school holidays and festive celebrations approaching, passengers are advised to allow extra time for check-in, security screening and baggage drop-off. Travellers using airport drop-off and pick-up zones should observe the 10-minute kerbside grace period.

Passengers are encouraged to use the MYAirports app for real-time flight updates and airport navigation, check travel documents and visa requirements in advance, and plan ahead for ground transportation, parking and boarding during peak travel periods.

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Batik Air Launches New Direct Flights Across East Malaysia

Batik Air Malaysia is expanding its domestic network in East Malaysia with the launch of two new direct routes from Kota Kinabalu, further strengthening regional connectivity ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

New direct routes from Kota Kinabalu

Starting from 15 December 2025, Batik Air will introduce direct services between Kota Kinabalu and Kuching, as well as Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan. Both routes will operate seven times weekly, responding to growing demand for seamless travel within Sabah and Sarawak.

The new connections improve access on key intra-Borneo routes such as Kota Kinabalu – Kuching and Kota Kinabalu – Sandakan, supporting both leisure and business travel.

Strengthening Kota Kinabalu as a regional hub

The launch highlights the strategic role of Kota Kinabalu as a northern Borneo hub, enhancing links to Sarawak’s capital and to Sandakan, one of Sabah’s key gateways for eco-tourism and wildlife experiences.

Kuching continues to attract travellers with its cultural heritage, historic character and diverse culinary scene, while Sandakan remains a major draw for visitors exploring wildlife sanctuaries, conservation sites and surrounding islands.

Promotional fares under ‘Family Vacay Starts at Borneo’ campaign

To support the network expansion, Batik Air has extended its ‘Family Vacay Starts at Borneo’ campaign, offering all-in one-way fares from MYR 69 to selected cities across Sabah and Sarawak.

The promotion is available for booking until 30 November 2025, for travel up to 30 January 2026, making domestic travel within East Malaysia more accessible during the peak travel period.

Further network growth planned

Looking ahead, Batik Air will introduce direct flights between Kota Kinabalu and Singapore from 12 February 2026, strengthening Sabah’s international connectivity. The airline already operates a three-times weekly direct service between Kota Kinabalu and Seoul (Incheon), providing convenient access to Northeast Asia.

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Malaysia Airports Records 12.8 Million Passengers in October 2025

Passenger traffic across the Malaysia Airports Group continued to grow in October 2025, with total passenger movements reaching 12.8 million across its Malaysian airport network and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (ISG).

Passenger growth across Malaysia and Türkiye

Of the total passenger volume, 8.8 million passengers, or 69%, were handled by airports in Malaysia. This included 4.6 million international and 4.2 million domestic passengers. ISG accounted for the remaining 4.0 million passengers during the month.

Year-to-date passenger movements reached 125.7 million, representing an 11.8% increase compared to the same period last year, when 112.5 million passengers were recorded.

KLIA traffic rises with service upgrades

KL International Airport (KLIA), Malaysia’s main aviation gateway, recorded 5.4 million passenger movements in October, up from 5.3 million in September.

To support rising traffic levels, KLIA has introduced several passenger experience initiatives across both terminals. These include improved kerbside traffic flow, enhanced wayfinding, and refreshed passenger touchpoints. Measures such as the rollout of the Vehicle Access Management System (VAMS) at kerbside areas and the refurbishment of boarding lounges at Terminal 2 into open-concept spaces aim to deliver a smoother airport experience.

New routes strengthen international connectivity

International connectivity was further strengthened in October with Scoot Airlines launching two weekly flights between Singapore and Kota Bharu. The new service improves regional access and supports tourism development along Malaysia’s East Coast.

Preparing for year-end peak travel

As passenger movements continue to gain momentum heading into the year-end peak, Malaysia Airports is working closely with airline partners and key stakeholders to ensure schedule resilience, effective resource planning and smooth peak-season operations.

These efforts include aligning terminal operations, strengthening on-ground support and maintaining readiness across the network as travel demand increases ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.

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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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Malaysia Airlines New Destinations

Malaysia Airlines Expands Bonus Side Trip Programme with New Destinations

Malaysia Airlines has expanded its Bonus Side Trip (BST) programme by adding Kuching as a new domestic stopover destination, giving international travellers more options to explore Malaysia while transiting through Kuala Lumpur.

Kuching joins Bonus Side Trip domestic network

The inclusion of Kuching marks the eighth domestic destination available under the BST programme. International passengers transiting through Kuala Lumpur can add a domestic side trip with zero base fare, paying only applicable taxes.

Other domestic destinations available through the programme include Kuala Terengganu, Langkawi, Penang, Johor Bahru, Kota Bharu, Alor Setar and Kuantan, allowing travellers to experience Malaysia’s cultural diversity, natural landscapes and regional heritage within a single itinerary.

Routes such as Kuala Lumpur – Kuching support the expansion, strengthening Sarawak’s role as a key stopover destination for international visitors.

New regional destinations via Firefly

In addition to domestic expansion, the BST programme has been extended to include three regional destinations operated by sister airline Firefly: Krabi, Siem Reap and Cebu.

These limited-time regional additions are available for sale and travel until 31 December 2025, enhancing regional connectivity while offering travellers greater flexibility and convenience across Southeast Asia.

Supporting tourism growth ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026

The programme expansion reflects Malaysia Aviation Group’s commitment to supporting Malaysia’s tourism agenda and boosting inbound travel ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). In collaboration with the Sarawak Tourism Board, the initiative promotes Sarawak as a compelling stopover destination.

Additional travel benefits for passengers

Beyond the BST programme, Malaysia Airlines continues to enhance the passenger experience by offering seamless end-to-end travel and added benefits. Economy Class passengers can pre-book meals or enjoy the Best of Asia menu on selected flights between Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, Sarawak and regional destinations from 1 November to 31 December 2025.

Members of the Enrich loyalty programme enjoy an additional 5% fare discount, while bookings made via the airline’s website or mobile app unlock exclusive fares, child discounts and flexible booking options.

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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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