Batik Air will resume scheduled passenger operations between Colombo and Kuala Lumpur from 30 March 2026, operating four weekly flights and re-establishing a key air link between Sri Lanka and Malaysia.
The carrier’s return was unveiled at a stakeholder gathering in Colombo attended by representatives from the aviation, tourism and diplomatic communities. The renewed service is expected to bolster tourism, business travel and air cargo activity between the two markets.
Speaking at the event, Charles Wijesundera, Founder and President of M&C Aviation, the airline’s General Sales Agent (GSA) in Sri Lanka, said the relaunch would significantly expand travel options for Sri Lankan passengers. He noted that Batik Air, previously known as Malindo Air, follows a hybrid airline model that combines competitive pricing with selected full-service features.
According to Wijesundera, the Colombo-Kuala Lumpur operation will provide seamless onward connections via Kuala Lumpur to destinations across Southeast Asia, North Asia, China and Australia. The flights are expected to attract leisure and business travellers, students and VFR traffic, while also supporting Sri Lankan export cargo flows. He added that M&C Aviation currently operates in 34 countries, with its global headquarters based in Singapore.
Tourism Malaysia Director Hishamuddin Mustafa said the additional air capacity would further stimulate two-way travel. Malaysia recorded 61,766 arrivals from Sri Lanka in 2024, increasing to 77,022 in 2025, an annual growth of 24.7%. With the introduction of Batik Air’s four weekly services, Tourism Malaysia is targeting a further 10-15% increase in Sri Lankan visitor numbers in 2026, which has been designated as Visit Malaysia Year.
Mustafa also outlined plans for collaborative promotions with the airline and Sri Lankan travel agents, including niche-focused campaigns such as golf tourism and other themed travel products.
Welcoming the development, Captain Daminda Rambukwella, Director General and CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, said aviation growth and tourism recovery go hand in hand. He remarked that the return of services reflects renewed airline confidence in Sri Lanka, with several carriers expanding capacity in recent months and reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to safe, secure and efficient airline operations.
Malaysian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Badli Hisham Bin Adam highlighted the long-standing cultural and historical ties between Sri Lanka and Malaysia, noting that improved air connectivity would strengthen people-to-people links and economic cooperation.
The reinstated route is also set to enhance connectivity via Kuala Lumpur International Airport, offering improved access to destinations across Asia and Australia while making Sri Lanka more accessible to inbound travellers.
