MIRI: Batik Air commenced direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Miri today (Jan 14), sparking renewed interest in going beyond Malaysian shores from the city.
Sarawak’s Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, who welcomed the inaugural flight carrying 63 passengers and eight crew expressed ambitions to extend Miri’s reach internationally, particularly to China.
“I am proposing that Batik Air consider international destinations from Miri, as it is strategically located closer to certain destinations, like China,” he said.
He added that Miri previously had direct flights to Shenzhen, China, and noted the potential for such routes to boost both tourism and business.
Lee emphasised that direct international flights would not only attract tourists but also support the region’s vibrant oil and gas industry, along with other business activities.
The Minister however acknowledged that Miri Airport would need significant upgrades to accommodate international flights.
“We need to start the airport upgrading project this year. The current check-in counters are insufficient, and there is a space constraint,” he said, stressing the urgency to improve facilities to meet future demand.
Lee in the meantime highlighted the potential of the new Kuala Lumpur-Miri service by Batik Air.
“It will not only enhance travel convenience but also open new avenues for economic growth, particularly for Miri, known as a tourism city and a hub of industrial activity,” he said.
This new initiative comes after discussions were held in October last year between Lee’s ministry and Batik Air CEO, Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy.
The agreement led to the introduction of 14 weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur and Miri, further strengthening the city’s connectivity.
Miri is now served by three airlines operating direct flights from Kuala Lumpur namely Batik Air, Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia.
The addition of Batik Air increases the weekly frequency of flights on this route from 41 to 55, meeting the growing demand, which boasts an average passenger load factor of up to 90 per cent.
Sarawak’s domestic flight network remains robust, with 420 weekly flights connecting destinations in West Malaysia and Sabah to Sarawak’s cities, including Kuching (211 flights), Miri (100), and others.