BATIK Air is set to increase the number of umrah flights between Kuala Lumpur and Saudi Arabia to 10 journeys a week by February.
Its group strategy director Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy said this was to accommodate the higher demand among Indonesian pilgrims.
He said this was a continuation of the service between Kuala Lumpur and Jeddah that was introduced last year.
On Aug 15, 2023, Batik Air began offering three flights a week between Kuala Lumpur and Jeddah for umrah pilgrims.
Chandran said the number of flights per week had been increased twice since then, to four and then seven.
“The surge in demand underscores our commitment in delivering exceptional service and catering to higher need of umrah pilgrims.
“Moving forward, we also plan to integrate feeder services from Lion Air Group affiliate airlines,” he said on Thursday (Jan 11).
Chandran was met at an engagement event in Shah Alam, Selangor, attended by 100 tour operators from Indonesia and Malaysia.
He said by Feb 15, the airline would fly from 10 Indonesian cities before connecting in the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
They include Banda Aceh, Medan, Padang, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bali, Surabaya, Makassar, Pekan Baru and Batam.
“This will make Kuala Lumpur a transit hub for umrah travellers,” said Chandran, adding Indonesian passengers were encouraged to stay one night in Malaysia.
He added that there were also plans to introduce four flights a week from Kuala Lumpur to Madinah in July.
Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akhbar Khan said the development was hoped to enhance ties between Malaysia and Indonesia.
He also reminded tour operators to ensure good service and seamless travel for the pilgrims by complying with the law.
“This should not be seen as a commercial venture only, but a noble effort to help Muslims perform their umrah,” he added.
Also present was Lion Air chief executive officer Rudy Lumingkawes.
