The inaugural Batik Air service between Batam and Penang landed at Penang International Airport on 18 October, giving Penang direct air links to a fifth city in Indonesia.
Flight OD359 left Hang Nadim International Airport (BTH) at 11.30am Batam time and arrived at Penang International Airport (PEN) at 1.40pm Penang time. The return leg, flight OD358, left Penang at 10.10am Penang time and reached Hang Nadim at 10.50am Batam time. Batam-Penang is served three times a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Speaking at the welcome ceremony at the airport, YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy, said the route brings communities closer and opens a new gateway for tourism, business, healthcare and family visits between Penang and the Riau Islands.
Batam joins Jakarta, Surabaya, Banda Aceh and Medan as the fifth Indonesian city with a direct air link to Penang. The state’s air connectivity network in Indonesia now reaches across Sumatra, Java and the Riau Islands.
The launch follows a Penang tourism roadshow in Batam led by Wong the previous week, where the delegation met travel industry partners and presented recent developments in the state’s tourism offerings. The roadshow introduced the possibilities, he said, and the direct service now makes it easier for travellers to act on them.
Indonesia has long been an important part of Penang’s tourism story. It is the state’s number one source market for international arrivals and ranks first in direct flight frequency to Penang.
Wong said the addition of Batam allows Penang to reach further into the Riau Islands, a market with prospects for leisure, medical and business travel. He also said the route should encourage more people from Penang to discover Batam, supporting tourism and exchanges in both directions.
For many Indonesian visitors, Penang is already a familiar and trusted destination for healthcare, and the new flight gives patients and their families from Batam and the surrounding region another travel option.
Beyond medical care, visitors can explore the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site, its historic architecture and the living traditions passed down through generations. The food brings together Malay, Chinese, Indian and Peranakan cooking. Penang Hill offers cooler air and wide views, while the island’s coast and the mainland hold scenery, local communities and attractions that reward a longer stay.
The route supports Visit Malaysia 2026, Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 and Visit Malaysia 2027. Wong said strong air connectivity makes destinations more accessible, gives travellers more choices and helps tourism businesses reach new markets.
He congratulated Batik Air on the launch and thanked airport authorities, Penang Global Tourism and industry partners for bringing the service into operation. The aim, he said, is a connection that benefits both Penang and Batam over the long term.
