Batik Air has officially expanded its northern Malaysia network with the launch of two strategic routes from Penang International Airport (PEN): Penang–Singapore and Penang–Medan. The airline’s latest move underscores its commitment to developing Penang as a northern hub and reinforcing regional travel links across Southeast Asia.
Singapore remains a powerhouse tourism market for Malaysia, contributing over 14.0 million visitors between January and August 2025. The launch of direct flights between Penang and Singapore is set to stimulate even greater travel flow between the two destinations. The route caters to a diverse mix of travellers—including leisure tourists, corporate guests, and frequent weekend travellers—offering them fast and convenient access to Penang’s attractions, culinary scene, and world-class hospitality.
The Penang–Medan connection expands opportunities for travellers from Indonesia, particularly those seeking medical care. Penang’s globally recognized hospitals and medical specialists have long attracted Indonesian families in search of trusted treatment and wellness services. By introducing direct services, Batik Air further enhances accessibility and strengthens Penang’s reputation as a medical tourism hub.
Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, Chief Executive Officer of Batik Air, explained that the addition of these routes aligns with the airline’s vision of creating a robust and future-ready network. With existing services to Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta, Batik Air is now positioned to deliver even stronger connectivity from Penang and better meet the growing needs of regional travellers.
Penang’s tourism leadership welcomed the expansion, emphasizing that improved connectivity is crucial to driving economic growth and increasing international footfall. YB Wong Hon Wai highlighted that these new routes support Penang’s strategic goals in tourism, business, and medical travel, especially ahead of major national campaigns such as Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and Malaysia Medical Tourism Year 2026. Tourism Malaysia also praised the launch, noting its importance in achieving the nation’s tourism objectives.
The launch of these new flights signifies a forward-looking step for Penang, enabling smoother regional travel and setting the stage for increased tourism, cross-border business, and healthcare-driven mobility. With strengthened links to Singapore and Indonesia, Penang’s status as a northern gateway continues to rise—bringing the region closer to the world.