Batik Air is looking to expand its presence in Sarawak with proposed direct flights connecting Subang Airport with Miri and Sibu, with the services potentially beginning by the end of 2026 or early 2027, subject to regulatory approval.
The proposed routes were discussed during a meeting between Sarawak Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin and Batik Air Head of Sales (Commercial) Arasu Soundarajan on September 9, 2026.
According to the Sarawak Ministry of Transport, the proposed Subang-Miri service would operate four times a week, while the Subang-Sibu route would operate three times weekly.
The proposed expansion would give travellers in northern and central Sarawak another direct option to access the Klang Valley through Subang Airport.
Subang Airport has become an increasingly important alternative to Kuala Lumpur International Airport for domestic and regional services following its redevelopment and the return of larger commercial aircraft operations.
Batik Air sees potential in Sarawak’s growing air travel demand
Lee said the proposed services would come at an appropriate time, particularly with passenger demand expected to increase during the year-end Christmas period, the new school term and the Chinese New Year festive season.
However, the proposed routes are still awaiting regulatory approval. If approved, the flights could commence as early as the end of 2026 or during the beginning of 2027.
For Miri, the proposal would also mark Batik Air’s return to the market after the airline suspended its Kuala Lumpur-Miri service in March 2026.
Batik Air had previously resumed the Kuala Lumpur-Miri route in January 2025, initially operating twice daily before reducing the service to once daily.
The route was subsequently suspended amid aircraft availability, fleet constraints and higher aviation fuel costs. Batik Air has nonetheless agreed to reopen this route although no exact dates were mentioned.
Sarawak wants more intra-state flight options
Beyond the proposed Subang routes, the Sarawak Ministry of Transport has also called on Batik Air to consider operating direct flights between Kuching and Miri, Sibu and Bintulu.
Lee said these intra-Sarawak connections already have demand and that greater airline participation would give passengers more choices in terms of schedules and fares.
At present, the three proposed intra-Sarawak connections are served directly by AirAsia.
For Sarawak, additional competition could potentially strengthen connectivity between the state’s major urban centres while providing passengers with more options when planning domestic travel.
Miri-China flights also being explored
The discussions also extended beyond domestic routes.
Lee proposed that Batik Air study potential direct international flights from Miri to southern China, specifically Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
Such services could potentially serve travellers from northern Sarawak as well as neighbouring Brunei, although the proposal remains at the feasibility-study stage.
Batik Air said it would study the viability of the proposed intra-Sarawak and international routes. The airline also indicated that scheduled charter services could potentially be used as an initial step in developing new international markets.
The airline pointed to its Kuching-Guangzhou scheduled charter flights, which recorded encouraging passenger loads, as an example of potential demand for new international connections.
Sources
- DayakDaily – Batik Air eyes year-end launch for Subang–Miri, Subang–Sibu flights — primary report on the proposed routes and September 9 meeting.
- Sarawak Tribune – Batik Air Eyes Subang-Miri, Subang-Sibu Flights — additional local coverage of the proposed services.
- Batik Air Malaysia – Official Website — official airline information and current route listings.
- Sarawak Ministry of Transport – Batik Air launches direct Subang–Kuching flight — ministry background on Batik Air’s Sarawak connectivity.
