PT BIB launches Batam–Penang route with three flights a week

Batam, Riau Islands (ANTARA) – PT Bandara Internasional Batam (BIB) has inaugurated a new direct international flight route from Hang Nadim International Airport in Batam to Penang, Malaysia, operating three times a week to expand connectivity for the public.

BIB president director Annang Setia Budhi said the flights operate every Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

“This is the first international flight route from Batam to Penang, providing more options for people in Batam and on Sumatra to travel to Penang via Batam,” Annang said in Batam, Riau Islands, on Sunday.

He explained that the route was launched following a market study which identified potential for two-way travel between Batam and Penang.

“First, we conducted a market study, and the data showed that travel from Batam to Penang and vice versa could support a direct flight. Previously, passengers usually had to go via Kuala Lumpur; now they can fly direct,” he said.

According to Annang, Penang is attractive for medical tourism and food, making the route an alternative for people in Batam and Sumatra who want to seek medical treatment or holiday in Malaysia.

The Batam–Penang flight is scheduled to depart at 11.30am Western Indonesian Time, while the Penang–Batam flight departs at 10.30am local time.

Lion Air Group strategic corporate communications representative Danang Mandala Prihantoro said the company was targeting a passenger load factor of more than 90 per cent on the new route.

“We are targeting 90 per cent occupancy, and we also want to promote Batam as a favourite destination and a gateway to Indonesia alongside other cities,” he said.

He said Batam was the third destination served by flights from Penang, after Medan and Jakarta.

The company hopes the Penang–Batam route will also bring in more foreign tourists via connections from various Malaysian cities linked to Penang.

“We hope it will support connectivity between regions and countries, and make travel easier for tourists seeking medical care, education and other services, travelling from Batam to Penang and vice versa,” Danang said.

As well as broadening travel options for passengers from Batam, the route is expected to strengthen tourism links and economic activity between Batam and Penang through direct air connectivity.