Batik Air, previously known as Malindo Air, has commenced non-stop flights from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Male’, Maldives. The inaugural direct flight, carrying 121 passengers, landed at Velana International Airport (VIA) on Friday, 23 June.
Batik Air first began operating to the island destination via Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 12 May. Since then, the airline has been running three weekly flights connecting Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and the Maldives. Batik Air employs a Boeing 737 aircraft on its Kuala Lumpur-Male’ route, with a seating capacity of 180 passengers.
The rebranding of this Malaysian-based regional airline took place in April. Following the rebranding, the airline has initiated various promotional offers for a wide range of destinations. At present, Batik Air has an extensive network spanning over 55 destinations worldwide, including Malaysia, Thailand, and Australia.
With the introduction of direct flights by Batik Air, along with other airlines such as Flynas from Saudi Arabia – which made its maiden flight on 20 June – and the upcoming Virgin Atlantic flights from London to Male’, global travellers are expected to get more convenient options to travel to the Maldives and experience the destination’s renowned hospitality.
As an increasing number of airlines choose to offer flights to the Maldives, the country’s tourism industry is expected to receive a significant boost, attracting a greater number of visitors and solidifying its position as a premier tourist destination.