MIRI: Batik Air Malaysia is set to resume direct services between Miri and Kuala Lumpur following a formal appeal by Miri MP and Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Chiew Choon Man to reassess the route.
Chiew said the airline had responded positively to his request after he wrote to its chief executive officer, urging a review of the commercial viability of the sector amid strong demand for air travel between the two cities.
He said details on the resumption, including the commencement date, flight frequency and schedule, would be announced by Batik Air in due course.
The return of the airline is expected to provide greater choice for travellers and additional capacity on a route that has faced high demand, particularly during weekends, public holidays and peak travel periods.
“Over the past few months, I have received increasing feedback from the people of Miri regarding the difficulty of securing flight tickets between Miri and Kuala Lumpur,” Chiew said in a statement.
He said flights were frequently heavily booked, while fares could rise significantly when seat availability was limited.
Chiew said his appeal to Batik Air was based on the need to reassess the Miri-Kuala Lumpur market in light of current travel demand.
He noted that the airline’s previous operations had been conducted in a more challenging environment, including volatility in fuel and aviation costs, but argued that market conditions had since changed.
“The demand for travel between Miri and Kuala Lumpur remains very strong today.”
He also urged the airline to look beyond Miri’s population when assessing the potential of the route.
He said Miri served as an important gateway for a wider catchment area covering northern Sarawak and neighbouring Brunei Darussalam.
“With suitable flight timings and competitive fares, there is further potential to attract Bruneian passengers who use Miri as an alternative gateway to Kuala Lumpur and onward destinations.”
He said additional capacity would give passengers more options while helping to ease pressure on seats during periods of strong demand.
“Greater competition among airlines could also contribute to a more competitive airfare environment.”
Beyond passenger convenience, he said stronger air connectivity was critical to Miri’s economic and tourism ambitions.
He 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 stakeholders in Miri and Brunei.
Chiew thanked Batik Air management for responding positively to the concerns raised by Miri residents.
