Batik Air makes first landing in Bintulu, to launch more direct flights from KL

BINTULU (Nov 1): Batik Air’s Boeing 737-800 bound for Bintulu from Kuala Lumpur made its first landing at the Bintulu Airport here today, with over 110 passengers onboard.

Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin was present to welcome the arrival of the passengers, alongside Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang, Bintulu Resident Datu Nyurak Keti, Tourism Malaysia Sarawak director Nurul Ain Mohammed Yunus, Air Traffic Services (ATS) manager Jobrin Sani, and ministry’s technical aviation advisor Sio Yew Hua.

According to Lee, Batik Air is set to launch 10 flights weekly between Kuala Lumpur and Bintulu starting Nov 1, with 14 flights weekly between Kuala Lumpur and Miri effective Jan 14 next year.

This initiative, he said, marks a crucial step in enhancing access to Sarawak and facilitating smoother travel for passengers.

“These new routes will strengthen connections between Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak, making it easier for travellers to explore the unique attractions in the region,” he told the reporters.

Lee said the expansion of Batik Air’s services to all four main airports in Sarawak namely Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, and soon in Miri in Jan next year were revealed during his meeting with Batik Air chief executive officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy in Kuala Lumpur on Monday (Oct 29).

He added the meeting also discussed the possibility of having more international direct flights such as the Kuching – Singapore route.

“The meeting showed Batik Air’s commitment to increasing air connectivity and supporting Sarawak’s growth through better connections,” he said, adding that these direct flights were crucial to promote business travel, tourism, and air cargo, especially during festive seasons.

“This flight will not only improve travel convenience but also open new avenues for economic growth, particularly in regions like Bintulu and Miri,” said Lee.