Batik Air has expanded its regional footprint with the launch of two new routes from Penang International Airport (PEN) to Singapore (SIN) and Kualanamu, Medan (KNO). The introduction of these services marks a significant step in positioning Penang as a northern aviation hub, offering enhanced connectivity for international travellers and supporting the state’s tourism, business, and medical travel sectors.
The new Penang–Singapore route complements rising demand from Malaysia’s largest international visitor market. Between January and August 2025 alone, Malaysia welcomed 14.0 million Singaporean travellers—an 18.1% increase from the previous year. The direct connection is expected to further drive short-haul leisure travel, weekend trips, corporate mobility, and family travel, enabling visitors from Singapore to easily explore Penang’s rich cultural heritage, celebrated street food, and diverse attractions.
On the other hand, flights between Penang and Medan respond to strong interest in medical and wellness tourism from Indonesia. Penang has maintained a reputation as a preferred healthcare destination for Indonesian travellers, who value the island’s high-quality medical services, advanced facilities, and multilingual care. By strengthening this corridor, Batik Air is opening expanded avenues for both medical and leisure tourism across northern Malaysia.
Batik Air Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, highlighted Penang’s longstanding importance to the airline’s network strategy. “With our existing services to Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta, these new routes to Singapore and Medan elevate Penang’s role as a northern hub. They also align with our long-term vision of supporting tourism, business, and healthcare travel ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026,” he said.
Penang EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Wong Hon Wai, emphasized the state’s readiness to welcome increased visitor arrivals. He noted that stronger international connectivity is crucial in promoting Penang as a key gateway to Northern Malaysia. Tourism Malaysia also supported the initiative, stating that enhanced accessibility will help the nation achieve its Visit Malaysia 2026 target of 47 million international tourist arrivals.
These new routes reflect the growing confidence in Penang as a dynamic regional gateway. With greater access to Singapore and Indonesia, travellers and industry players alike stand to benefit from new opportunities for collaboration, growth, and seamless mobility across Southeast Asia.
