Batik Air is strengthening its international network with the introduction of new direct services to two of its key global markets, China and Australia.

A Kuala Lumpur–Shanghai service will commence on 23 June 2026, followed by a Kuala Lumpur–Sydney service on 1 July 2026.

The new Australian route will add 120,000 seats between Kuala Lumpur and Sydney over a 12-month period. It will operate seven times weekly on an Airbus A330 aircraft.

Batik Air Chief Executive Officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy said: “Batik Air continues to align its network with sustained market demand, and the addition of Shanghai and Sydney strengthens two of our most important international corridors.

“These routes support tourism and business travel while enhancing overall connectivity between Malaysia and key global markets.

"China and Australia remain important markets, and these services will help facilitate greater movement of travellers while reinforcing economic and people-to-people ties.

“Despite the broader global environment, the outlook for travel demand remains positive. The airline remains focused on maintaining a balanced and sustainable approach to growth, identifying opportunities where demand is strongest while continuing to support Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination in the region.”

NSW welcomed 45,800 Malaysian visitors in 2025 (up 6.1 per cent year on year), who injected $117.7 million into the state's visitor economy.