Jet Fuel Price Surge Leads Batik Air Malaysia to Cut 35% of Flights
KUALA LUMPUR, KOMPAS.com – Batik Air Malaysia is slashing around 35% of its flight schedule in April 2026 amid a surge in fuel costs and global uncertainties looming over the aviation industry.
This policy is being taken as an adjustment to operational capacity amid mounting external pressures, particularly due to geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East that are triggering volatility in energy prices as well as disruptions to the global supply chain.
Quoted from The Edge Malaysia and Free Malaysia Today on Friday (3/4/2026), the capacity reduction is primarily being implemented in the first half of April 2026, with a focus on decreasing flight frequencies rather than permanently halting routes.
“This is not an easy decision. However, given the current situation, we must take proactive steps to ensure operational stability,” said Chandran in an internal company statement.
Chandran explained that the global aviation industry is facing significant pressures due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which directly impact jet fuel prices, known as avtur.
“The aviation industry is currently under immense pressure due to rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. These developments are causing extreme volatility in fuel prices and disrupting the global supply chain,” Chandran stated.
In this context, reducing flight frequencies is seen as the most rational step compared to permanently closing routes.
Additionally, the company considers disciplined capacity management essential to remain aligned with demand conditions and resource availability.
Batik Air Malaysia stated that the 35% capacity reduction will last until around 12 April 2026. After that period, the company will conduct further evaluations of market and operational conditions.
He emphasised that the adjustments are being made to flight frequencies, so the existing route network will be maintained.
“This reduction will focus on flight frequencies, not fully cancelling destinations,” he said.
This step also aligns with global trends in the aviation industry, where several airlines are opting to curb capacity in response to the surge in operational costs.