New Batam-Penang flights to boost tourism, medical travel, says state exco

Batik Air will commence direct flights between Batam and Penang from October 18, as announced by the state exco chairman Wong Hon Wai. This marks the first scheduled direct air link between the two locations, offering three flights per week. Wong stated that the route presents opportunities for Penang to explore new regional tourism markets in Indonesia's Riau Islands, contributing to the broader expansion of Indonesia as a source market and attracting new visitor segments with promising potential.

Wong highlighted Batam's significance as one of the key economic, industrial, commercial, and tourism centers in the Riau Islands, and its strategic position in regional connectivity between Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. He noted that Indonesia is already a key international tourism market for Penang, with 201,657 Indonesian tourists arriving through Penang International Airport (PIA) from January to July this year, a 4.58% increase compared to the same period last year.

The new route also holds potential for the state's medical tourism sector, taking advantage of Penang's comprehensive medical facilities, professional healthcare services, and well-established medical tourism ecosystem. Wong emphasized the route's potential to support Penang's medical tourism by connecting Riau Islands with the state's healthcare facilities.

Moreover, the Batam-Penang flight would bolster Penang's South-east Asian air network, particularly as short-haul Asean markets play a crucial role in sustaining the tourism industry amidst various challenges. Flights OD359 and OD358 will operate between Batam and Penang, with respective departure and arrival times at Hang Nadim International Airport and PIA. Ticket bookings for the route are now open via Batik Air's official website.