Batik Air Malaysia has agreed to resume its Miri – Kuala Lumpur flight service, giving travellers another airline option on one of Sarawak’s key domestic air routes.
The decision follows a formal request by Miri Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Chiew Choon Man, who urged Batik Air to review the commercial viability of the route and consider returning to Miri.
However, passengers will have to wait for the airline to announce the official commencement date, flight frequency and operating schedule.
Batik Air Miri–Kuala Lumpur route returning
Chiew said he had received increasing feedback from residents in Miri about difficulties securing flights between Miri and Kuala Lumpur, particularly during weekends, public holidays and peak travel periods.
According to him, flights are often heavily booked during these periods, while limited seat availability can result in higher airfares.
Following the feedback, Chiew formally wrote to Batik Air Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, requesting the airline to reassess the Miri–Kuala Lumpur sector.
Batik Air subsequently responded positively to the request and agreed to resume services between the two cities.
Chiew said his office was prepared to support Batik Air in developing the route by facilitating engagement with tourism industry players, travel agents, business associations and other relevant stakeholders in Miri and Brunei.
He also thanked Batik Air Malaysia’s management for responding positively to the concerns raised by Miri residents.
The return of the route is expected to add another option for passengers travelling between Miri and Kuala Lumpur, particularly during periods when demand for air travel is high.
No launch date announced yet
While the return of the Batik Air Miri – Kuala Lumpur route has been confirmed, details of the new service have not yet been released.
Chiew said the airline would announce details on the flight commencement, flight frequency and flight schedule in due course.
This means travellers should not assume that the service has already started or that tickets are currently available for the new service until Batik Air makes an official announcement.
Miri serves northern Sarawak and Brunei
Chiew also highlighted the wider market surrounding Miri when making the case for the return of Batik Air.
He said Miri’s potential should not be assessed solely based on the city’s population, as the city serves as an important gateway for northern Sarawak and neighbouring Brunei Darussalam.
According to Chiew, suitable flight timings and competitive fares could also attract passengers from Brunei who use Miri as an alternative gateway to Kuala Lumpur and onward destinations.
Beyond passenger convenience, Chiew described improved air connectivity as important to Miri’s wider economic and tourism development.
Why did Batik Air cancel its Kuala Lumpur – Miri route?
It is not known why Batik Air canceled the Kuala Lumpur – Miri route but the aerorooutes reported that the airline started cancelling the route and seven other routes on March 31st this year.
This meant that the route was axed at about the same time Batik Air decided to the airline’s direct connectivity to Alor Setar, Bintulu and Sibu from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, while cancelling direct flights from Kuala Lumpur Subang to Johor Bahru, Kota Bharu and Kota Kinabalu.
It is rumoured that the route was dropped due to escalating fuel prices due to the war in the Middle East but no concrete statement was foound in regards to such reason.
The Kuala Lumpur – Miri Batik Air route was launched in January 2025 with 14 direct flights weekly on Batik Air’s Boeing 737 aircraft.
The airline offered both economy and business class seats in their Boeing 737.
Currently, the Kuala Lumpur – Miri route is served by AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines.
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