Batik Air resumes the Melaka to Penang flight

Melaka and Penang’s Unesco World Heritage sites got closer, with Batik Air resuming the flight between the two cities.

The inaugural flight from Melaka International Airport (MIA) touched down at the Penang International Airport (PIA) on September 12.

Batik Air flies seven times a week between Melaka and Penang.

According to Penang state exco for tourism and creative economy Yeoh Soon Hin, the flight route will be the 9th domestic route that departs from the Penang International Airport.

“It is a catalyst that builds a solid foundation to cement the Penang – Melaka dual Heritage Site tourism programme.

“During my official visit to Melaka in 2019, I proposed the idea to spur the tourism economy via the Penang – Melaka dual heritage site tourism programme.

The initiative comes under the larger vision of promoting the tourism and culture of both destinations, continued Yeoh.

Yeoh also explained that although the Covid-19 pandemic dampened the initial programme, the opportunities and silver lining are starting to prevail with the Batik Air launch of this Penang – Melaka direct flight.

“Propelling the tourism development in the post-pandemic era calls for teamwork. We need to work with one another, not against one another.

“Hence, I have always advocated for inter-state cooperation because the collective effort of all parties can elevate Malaysia to the forefront of the international tourism market,” said Yeoh

Batik Air’s head of commercial sales, Arasu Soundarajan, said an ATR-72 aircraft capable of carrying 72 passengers would serve the Melaka-Penang-Melaka.

Previously, the airline operated out of MIA for both destinations, Penang and Pekanbaru, under the Malindo Air brand.

The Melaka-Penang-Melaka flights will depart MIA at 2.45 pm to PIA on flight OD 1311.

Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khamis, the chairperson of the state tourism, heritage, and culture committee, said introducing air routes through MIA was critical in revitalising the state’s tourism business.

Melaka expects 5.6 million tourists this year.