KUALA LUMPUR – Batik Air has resumed its Colombo–Kuala Lumpur service, restoring a key link between Malaysia and Sri Lanka after the route was suspended in early 2024.
Flight OD298 from Colombo touched down at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA Terminal 1) yesterday, marking the official return of the service to the airline’s international network.
The route had been temporarily halted as part of a broader network realignment, but its reinstatement comes amid renewed travel demand between the two countries.
The move also aligns with preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026, further strengthening Kuala Lumpur’s position as a regional gateway for travellers.
The revived service is expected to boost tourist flows between Sri Lanka and Malaysia, while offering wider connectivity to Batik Air’s growing Asia-Pacific network.
The inaugural arrival was received by Tourism Malaysia Deputy Director General (Promotions II) Samuel Lee Thai Hung and Senior Director of International Promotions (Asia & Africa) Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi.
Passengers were welcomed with commemorative gifts, while Tourism Malaysia mascots Wira and Manja added a festive touch to the arrival at KLIA.
Batik Air Malaysia Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy said the relaunch reflects the airline’s strategy to strengthen regional connectivity in line with recovering travel demand.
“The return of the Colombo route is an important step in rebuilding our network while supporting Malaysia’s tourism ambitions.
“As the country gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026, this route enhances Kuala Lumpur’s role as a strategic hub, attracting travellers not only from the Indian Subcontinent but also from key North Asian markets such as China, Japan and South Korea,” he said.
He added that Batik Air remains committed to providing seamless connectivity while contributing to the growth of Malaysia’s tourism sector.
The reinstated Colombo–Kuala Lumpur route further cements Batik Air’s role as a key regional connector, supporting tourism, business and people-to-people ties between both nations. -MalayaDailyToday
