Tourism Malaysia welcomed the maiden flight of Batik Air’s new direct route between Bangkok, Thailand and Kuala Lumpur on Monday, 28th July.
The aircraft flew from Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), Bangkok, to Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang Airport) (SZB), marking a significant milestone in strengthening air connectivity between Malaysia and Thailand.
This new daily service underscores Batik Air’s commitment to position Subang Airport as a key aviation hub whilst supporting the country’s efforts to boost inbound tourism and enhance travel accessibility in anticipation of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).
Tourism Malaysia director-general Manoharan Periasamy said of the event: “We applaud Batik Air’s commitment in expanding Malaysia’s regional and domestic air connectivity. These new routes are timely as we gear up for VM2026. Thailand remains one of our most important source markets, and enhanced accessibility will play a pivotal role in boosting visitor arrivals and supporting the growth of Malaysia’s tourism industry.”
A great first flight
Operated with a Boeing 737 aircraft, the Subang–Bangkok route is Batik Air’s first international service from SZB, offering seamless access for both business and leisure travellers.
Located closer to Kuala Lumpur’s city centre, Subang Airport is a convenient alternative to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
In addition to the Bangkok route, Batik Air also commenced direct flights from SZB to Kuching on 28th July, further enhancing its domestic network and complementing its existing routes from SZB to Penang, Kota Bharu, Kota Kinabalu, and Tawau (via BKI).
Batik Air chief executive Chandran Rama Muthy said of the airline’s ongoing route expansion efforts: “With these new routes, we are not only deepening our presence in Subang but also bringing travellers closer to the destinations they love, whether it’s exploring Bangkok’s vibrant streets or experiencing Kuching’s rich cultural charm.”
Batik Air currently operates 57 weekly flights between Malaysia and Thailand, connecting Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru with several key Thai destinations, including Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and Hat Yai, offering a total of 9,234 seats.
