Tourism Malaysia applauds the launch of new Batik Air direct flight connecting Colombo to Kuala Lumpur starting from the 30th of March, further strengthening air connectivity between Sri Lanka and Malaysia.
In line with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), this new route offers travellers greater choice and convenience by complementing existing flights by Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, SriLankan Airlines, and FitsAir.
Commencing on 30th March 2026, the service will operate four times weekly with a total
seat capacity of 162. The inaugural flight OD298 from Bandaranaike International Airport arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport around 08:25 am, carrying about 120 passengers in Boeing 737 aircraft.
This new connection positions Kuala Lumpur as a premier gateway, supporting Tourism
Malaysia’s efforts to lead travellers toward diverse destinations beyond the capital,
showcasing the country’s diverse experiences, including island escapes, cultural heritage,
nature, and community-based tourism across various states.
In attendance at the ceremony were officials from Tourism Malaysia, led by Lee Thai
Hung, Deputy Director General (Promotions II) and Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Senior
Director of International Promotions (Asia/Africa). Also present were representatives of
Batik Air; Suresh Vanan, Head of Communications and Promotions and Hanna Hussein, Public Relations and Communications Manager, as well as representatives from
Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB).
“We are pleased to welcome Batik Air’s new route, which significantly bolsters connectivity and offers greater flexibility for Sri Lankan visitors. It is a timely addition that strengthens our ties with Sri Lanka as we ramp up our efforts for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). This increased connectivity will be instrumental in promoting our diverse cultural and natural heritage, while reinforcing Sri Lanka’s role as a key growth market for Malaysia,” said Mohd Amirul Rizal bin Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia.
Sri Lanka is recognised as an emerging market for Malaysia, with growing interest in leisure, education, and healthcare travel. In 2025, Malaysia recorded 77,020 visitors from
Sri Lanka, marking a strong 24.7% increase in comparison with 2024. Currently, there are 38 weekly direct flights between Colombo and Malaysia, offering a total capacity of 6,505 seats. The four additional flights via this new route is anticipated to provide more accessible and competitive travel options, supporting increased travel between the two
countries.
Moving forward, Tourism Malaysia remains committed to a robust partnership with key
industry stakeholders like Batik Air to amplify the promotional reach for Visit Malaysia
2026 (VM2026). Together, we will continue to elevate our strategies to welcome a new
wave of Sri Lankan and South Asian visitors, showcasing the very best of Malaysia’s
hospitality and heritage to the world.
