AirAsia set to boost trade and tourism in Batam, enhancing regional connectivity between Malaysia and Indonesia

BATAM, 25 February 2026 – AirAsia Malaysia (flight code AK) is set to boost trade and tourism in the Riau Islands Province with the launch of its new daily service from Kuala Lumpur to Batam, commencing 13 March 2026.

The new route will provide travellers with greater convenience and improved connectivity between Kuala Lumpur and Batam, a fast-growing hub for business and tourism while strengthening links across key destinations in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Malaysia is  Batam’s largest source market, accounting for over 25% of foreign tourist arrivals between January - August 2025. The new daily service is expected to further stimulate cross-border travel and support the continued growth of Batam’s tourism sector.

In 2025, international passenger arrivals at Hang Nadim International Airport reached nearly 140,000, a 64% increase compared to 2024. With the launch of this route, AirAsia anticipates a significant rise in passenger traffic, projecting an estimated more than 22,000  travellers to fly in and out of Batam within the first three months of operations.

This new service marks another important milestone for AirAsia, expanding its network to 19 routes and reinforcing its position as a key connector between Malaysia and Indonesia. In 2025 alone, AirAsia carried nearly three million guests between the two countries, underscoring its ongoing commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and strengthening bilateral ties.

Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra, General Manager of AirAsia Malaysia said: “We are pleased to launch our new daily service from Kuala Lumpur to Batam, further strengthening connectivity between Malaysia and Indonesia. As one of our key markets, Indonesia continues to play an important role in our growth strategy, and this expansion reflects our commitment to supporting regional trade, tourism and economic development.

“Batam is not only a strategic gateway for business and investment, but also a vibrant destination shaped by rich cultural diversity and a variety of attractions from iconic architecture and beautiful beaches to historical sites and family-friendly experiences. With Malaysia as Batam’s largest source market, we are confident this route will drive stronger two-way travel and create greater opportunities for both communities. AirAsia remains committed to offering affordable fares and seamless connectivity to bring people and economies closer together.”

The routes will begin with daily flights operating starting 13 March 2026, Kuala Lumpur to Batam with promotional fares starts from RM169 all-in one-way* while Batam to Kuala Lumpur starts from IDR899,000  all-in one-way*. The special fares are available for booking from today until 8 March 2026 for travel between 13 March 2026 and 24 October 2026, exclusively on the AirAsia MOVE app and airasia.com.

Flight Schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Batam (BTH):

*All-in fares are quoted for one-way travel only, including passenger service charges, regulatory service charges, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees. Terms and conditions apply.