Pekanbaru: The Pekanbaru-Melaka-Pekanbaru flight route, which will begin operating at Batu Berendam International Airport on Wednesday (June 10), is expected to invigorate the state's health tourism sector through the arrival of visitors from Indonesia seeking medical treatment in Melaka. State Works, Infrastructure, Public Facilities and Transportation Committee chairman Datuk Hameed Mytheen Kunju Basheer said the flight service, operated by Wings Air, will operate three times a week, namely Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, there is a high demand for health services in Melaka among Indonesians, and this route will make it easier for them to obtain treatment in the state. Previously, many used the ferry service, but now, with this flight route, they have an option to either travel by ferry or by air. This was stated by Hameed during a media conference at the Batu Berendam International Airport.
Hameed mentioned that the state government, through the Tourism Promotion Division (BPP), will collaborate with private hospitals to intensify health tourism promotions to attract more visitors from Indonesia to Melaka. The flight for the Pekanbaru-Melaka-Pekanbaru route is set to operate using the ATR 72 aircraft, which can carry 72 passengers. The first flight is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, with more than 50 passengers expected to arrive from Pekanbaru at the Batu Berendam International Airport. The flight is scheduled to arrive at 12.40 pm, then return to Pekanbaru at 1.10 pm.
Meanwhile, Hameed reported that another new route, namely Melaka to Penang, by Batik Air is expected to operate within the next two months. The route has received approval from Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and is currently undergoing the process related to the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). However, the dates and frequency of flights have yet to be finalised by the airline company. The addition of the flight route is among the state government's efforts to strengthen Melaka's air transportation system, thus increasing the presence of tourists and investors from both within and outside the country.