Batik Air is preparing to launch a new direct service between Kuala Lumpur and Palembang, with flights scheduled to commence on 12 September 2025. The route marks another milestone in the airline’s expansion across Indonesia and further strengthens air connectivity between the two neighbouring countries.
The service will be operated using B737-800 aircraft, offering both Economy and Business Class cabins. This addition expands Batik Air’s Indonesian network, which already includes Jakarta, Bali, Batam, Surabaya, Medan, Lombok and Pekanbaru.
Batik Air Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, emphasised Indonesia’s importance as one of the airline’s strongest markets.
This new route reflects our ongoing efforts to connect more cities across the archipelago directly to Kuala Lumpur, offering travellers greater flexibility, convenience, and access to global destinations. Kuala Lumpur International Airport is developing into a leading hub for Umrah and international travel, and we’re proud to support this growth by adding more strategic gateways like Palembang to our network,” he said
A New Gateway to South Sumatra
Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra, is one of Southeast Asia’s oldest cities, with roots tracing back to the Srivijaya Empire. Known for the iconic Ampera Bridge, vibrant floating markets, traditional songket weaving, and its signature dish pempek (a fishcake delicacy), the city combines rich cultural heritage with its growing role as an industrial and economic hub.
For Malaysian and international passengers transiting through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), the new route offers a fresh opportunity to discover a lesser-known Indonesian destination. At the same time, travellers from Palembang and surrounding regions will gain convenient access to Kuala Lumpur and global connections beyond.
With KLIA serving as Batik Air’s primary Umrah hub, the route is expected to be especially valuable for Indonesian Muslims embarking on pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia. In 2024 alone, Batik Air carried more than 120,000 Umrah-bound passengers, and that number is projected to grow further with new direct services such as this.
“The upcoming Kuala Lumpur–Palembang service underlines Batik Air’s ongoing mission to bridge communities, cultures, and countries, while reinforcing Kuala Lumpur’s position as a key regional aviation hub.