KUALA LUMPUR, 9 JUNE 2025 – A new travel chapter between Malaysia and Timor-Leste has officially taken off, as Batik Air becomes the first Malaysian carrier to operate scheduled commercial flights between Dili and Kuala Lumpur.
This landmark route opens a fresh gateway into Malaysia for Timorese travellers, offering seamless access to the country’s world-class attractions while reinforcing Kuala Lumpur’s position as a thriving aviation and tourism hub.
The twice-weekly service reflects Batik Air’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity through strategic market expansion. With Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA T1) serving as a central hub, passengers from Dili now enjoy convenient onward connections to over 60 destinations across 20 countries, spanning Asia, the Middle East, and Australia.
Batik Air’s entry into this emerging market is a timely and forward-looking move that supports the growth of Malaysia’s tourism sector by attracting new travellers from one of ASEAN’s youngest nations.
Batik Air Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy highlighted the significance of the new route, stating: “We see enormous potential in this new route—not just in terms of passenger movement, but in the wider opportunity to invite Timorese travellers to discover Malaysia’s diverse tourism offerings.”
“As Timor-Leste expands its global outlook, we are honoured to offer a gateway to Malaysia and beyond, through KLIA’s extensive connectivity and Batik Air’s growing international network,” he said adding that Batik Air is proud to play a role in making Malaysia more accessible and attractive to new markets, while contributing to the region’s tourism revival and long-term development.
To mark the inaugural arrival, Tourism Malaysia collaborated with Batik Air to extend a warm Malaysian welcome to arriving passengers at KLIA on 6 June 2025, offering thoughtfully curated gift packs. This initiative highlights the shared objective of promoting Malaysia as a premier destination while strengthening ties with Timor-Leste through tourism and cultural exchange. The event was attended by Salinda Sany, Director of International Promotions (ASEAN) at Tourism Malaysia, underscoring the importance of regional collaboration.
Malaysia offers a wealth of experiences, from island getaways and cultural heritage to wellness and retail therapy—making it an ideal choice for outbound Timorese travellers.
Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, welcomed the initiative, saying that: “The launch of this direct route between Kuala Lumpur and Dili is a timely and strategic effort in strengthening bilateral tourism cooperation. With Malaysia having welcomed 38 million international visitor arrivals in 2024, we are optimistic that this new connectivity will further enhance visitor numbers and contribute positively to the success of our Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.”
“Malaysia’s diverse tourism offerings, ranging from world-renowned gastronomy and rich cultural heritage to premium shopping experiences, make it an ideal destination for Timorese travellers seeking quality leisure and business experiences. We believe Timorese travellers will find plenty of reasons to return,” he added.
Operated by a Boeing 737 aircraft, the direct flight between Dili and Kuala Lumpur takes approximately four hours and 15 minutes. Travellers can select from a range of fare options designed to suit different travel needs, including Economy Super Saver, Value, Flexi, and Business Class.
With this latest addition to its network, Batik Air continues to position itself as a connector of underserved routes, bridging communities and opening new pathways for collaboration, commerce, and discovery across ASEAN and beyond.
For more information and to plan your next journey, download Batik Air mobile app or visit www.batikair.com
