Penang: Batik Air is poised to launch direct flights between Batam and Penang starting October 18, creating a new gateway for Penang to engage with the tourism market in Indonesia's Riau Islands. The new route marks the first scheduled direct air link between Batam and Penang and will operate three times a week.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Wong Hon Wai, the State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman, highlighted that this development opens up opportunities for Penang to access new regional tourism markets in the Riau Islands. He emphasized the importance of this route in expanding Indonesia as a source market and exploring new visitor segments with promising potential.
Batam, situated about 30 kilometers south of Singapore, is recognized as a key economic, industrial, commercial, and tourism hub in the Riau Islands. Its strategic location enhances regional connectivity among Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. Wong noted that Indonesia already serves as one of Penang's principal international tourism markets, with Indonesian visitors consistently ranking among the top international tourist arrivals to the state.
From January to July this year, 201,657 Indonesian tourists arrived in Penang via Penang International Airport (PIA), compared to 192,823 during the same period last year, representing an increase of 4.58 percent. Traditionally, cities like Medan, Jakarta, Surabaya, and Banda Aceh have been key tourism markets for Penang. The new route is expected to extend Penang's reach to the Riau Islands.
Additionally, Wong pointed out the potential of the Batam-Penang route to bolster Penang's medical tourism sector. Penang is known for its comprehensive medical facilities, professional healthcare services, and established medical tourism ecosystem. The direct air connectivity between Batam and Penang presents an opportunity to further tap into the medical tourism market in the Riau Islands, potentially transforming passenger flows into broader economic benefits and increased tourism spending.
The new route also contributes significantly to Penang's Southeast Asian air network, especially as short-haul ASEAN markets play a crucial role in supporting the tourism industry's stability. Flight OD359 from Hang Nadim International Airport in Batam is scheduled to depart at 11.30 am local time and arrive at PIA at 1.55 pm. Meanwhile, flight OD358 for the Penang-Batam sector is set to depart at 10.10 am and arrive at Hang Nadim International Airport at 10.50 am local time. Ticket bookings are now available on Batik Air's official website.