KUALA LUMPUR – Batik Air is strengthening its regional presence and reaffirming its commitment to the Australia-Malaysia corridor with the announcement of year-round direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Melbourne. Set to take off on 12 July 2025, the move transforms what was once a seasonal route into a permanent fixture in the airline’s growing international network.
The four-times-weekly service, operated by the spacious Airbus A330, marks a strategic expansion in Batik Air’s operations down under, providing consistent, direct access to one of Australia’s most vibrant and visited cities. This development responds to a steady surge in demand from both leisure travellers and business professionals.
“This expansion aligns with our long-term vision to deepen regional connectivity,” said Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, Chief Executive Officer of Batik Air. “By offering an all-year-round direct service to Melbourne, we are not only meeting growing demand but also enhancing travel convenience for our passengers across both nations.”
Batik Air originally launched its Kuala Lumpur–Melbourne route in December 2022 using the Boeing 737. The airline responded to strong holiday demand in December 2023 by deploying its larger Airbus A330 on the route. The success of these seasonal operations laid the groundwork for a full-time service.
According to Datuk Chandran, passenger load factors climbed steadily from 50% in 2022 to over 65% in early 2025, indicating sustained and growing interest in the direct route. This performance, coupled with Melbourne’s rising international traffic – 930,356 international travellers were recorded in February alone – has made the case for permanent service compelling.
The Airbus A330 aircraft serving this route features 12 Business Class and 365 Economy Class seats, ensuring both comfort and capacity. The service also offers a variety of branded fares tailored to suit different travel needs, whether customers prioritise value, baggage, dining, or flexibility.
Beyond the direct service, Batik Air also provides a daily connecting option via Denpasar, Bali, with seven weekly flights operated by the B737. This gives travellers more flexibility when planning itineraries between Malaysia and Australia.
Melbourne, often hailed as Australia’s cultural capital, continues to captivate international visitors with its fusion of fine dining, iconic laneways, arts festivals, and scenic escapes like the Great Ocean Road. By enabling year-round access, Batik Air positions itself as a key connector for travellers eager to explore this cosmopolitan city and for Australians heading to Malaysia or beyond via Kuala Lumpur.
With this latest development, Batik Air not only reinforces its ambitions in the Australia-Pacific region but also enhances Malaysia’s global aviation footprint.
Travellers can book tickets or learn more through the Batik Air mobile app or at www.batikair.com. -MalayaDailyToday
