ALOR SETAR — Batik Air officially launched its direct flight between Kuala Lumpur and Alor Star, yesterday marking a significant milestone in connecting the capital with the vibrant northern region of Malaysia.

The inaugural flight, initially scheduled for December 5, was postponed due to the recent flooding in Kedah.

Batik Air chief executive officer, Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy said the Kuala Lumpur–Alor Star route will operate daily, with seven flights per week on Batik Air’s Boeing 737 aircraft, offering both economy and business class cabins.

He expressed that the Kuala Lumpur-Alor Setar route is not only a major step in strengthening connectivity but also opens exciting new opportunities for growth in Malaysia’s northern states.

“This route will serve as a catalyst for both tourism and business, unlocking new avenues for investment and collaboration in key industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and trade, while making it easier for travellers to experience the untapped potential and vibrant culture of this region,” he said in a statement. 

Present to welcome the arrival of the Boeing 737 aircraft, which carried 111 passengers to Sultan Abdul Halim Airport, yesterday were Kedah Tourism, Culture, and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin, Alor Star Mayor Mohd Yusri Md Daud and Kedah Tourism general manager Azlizam Jaafar Sidik.

Meanwhile, Mohd Salleh said the state government welcomed Batik Air’s move to operate flights from the federal capital to Kedah, which was seen as boosting air connectivity between the two destinations.

“This route not only facilitates air travel between the capital and Kedah but also plays a major role in supporting the state government to further strengthen the Kedah tourism sector, especially in conjunction with Visit Kedah Year 2025,” he told reporters at the event.

He said the state government also hopes that airlines will continue to increase the frequency of flights to Kedah in the future. — BERNAMA