Batik Air Malaysia (previously Malindo Air) has announced that it will begin direct flights from Adelaide to Kuala Lumpur in July. It will be the carrier’s first nonstop flight from Adelaide to Malaysia.

Batik Air will operate three weekly flights from Adelaide to Kuala Lumpur, departing at 8.40 am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and returning at 11.10 pm on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.

Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, Group Strategy Director for Lion Air Group, which owns Batik Air, said: “Looking ahead to the rest of 2023, we see stronger demand for flights to destinations across Australia, which is why we expanded our wings to Adelaide.”

“With the launch of our Adelaide flight, we not only connect the city to Kuala Lumpur, but we also provide network connectivity to over 45 Batik Air destinations via Kuala Lumpur International Airport.”

The new service comes as international travel recovers from pandemic lockdowns. Adelaide Airport managing director Brenton Cox pursues an ambitious Network Vision 2050 strategy for direct flights to 37 destinations.

Mr Cox welcomed the news, adding that Malaysia is an important long-term market for travel to and from Adelaide.

“Welcoming another airline flying between our two great cities is fantastic news.” “It’s exciting to connect Adelaide to Asia via Batik’s extensive network,” Mr Cox said.

“Batik Air Malaysia provides connections through Kuala Lumpur to destinations throughout Southeast Asia, China, Japan, and India.”Since Batik is a full-service airline, baggage is included in your fare. The airline previously ran a one-stop route through Bali under the Malindo Air brand. However, this is the first time it has offered nonstop service to and from Adelaide.”

South Australia Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said the report demonstrates that international travel continues to recover from the pandemic.

“We are very excited to welcome Batik Airlines to South Australia and have Adelaide linked into Asia with Batik’s network,” Ms Bettison said.

“This provides another opportunity for South Australia to enter a competitive market with direct access for tourists to visit and explore our beautiful state.”Our tourist industry needs this as we recover from the pandemic and focus on getting international tourists back to our state.”

Malaysia Airlines operates five direct flights a week from Adelaide to Kuala Lumpur.