While major Malaysian airports have been accessible for foreign and local flights for some time, a handful of smaller ones are progressively reopening.
Adding to that list is the Melaka International Airport (MIA) in Batu Berendam, which will begin operations with the opening of the Melaka-Penang-Melaka route via Malindo Air, now known as Batik Air by June.
Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khamis, head of the State Tourism, Heritage, and Culture Committee, said two-way flights to the destination would be offered twice a week at first, with the frequency of the flights increasing in response to demand.
After receiving approval from the Indonesian government, he stated they will begin operating the Melaka-Penang-Melaka route before moving on to the next route, a two-way trip from Melaka to Indonesia through Pekanbaru.
He added that the opening of air routes through MIA is critical to the state’s efforts to resuscitate the tourism industry, therefore assuring that Melaka’s goal of 5.6 million visitors this year may be met.
About 30,000 tourists are expected to use the new air route in the next six months, making it easier for visitors to a destination famous for its delicious food, beautiful murals, and pleasant old-town vibes.
Meanwhile, Batik Air Head of Sales (Commercial) Arasu Soundarajan added that the Melaka-Penang-Melaka route will be served by the ATR-72 aircraft, which can carry 72 passengers.
