Batik Air is set to become the first Malaysian airline to offer flights between Dili, Timor-Leste, and Kuala Lumpur. It aims to launch services in the first quarter of 2025. Malaysian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Datuk Amarjit Singh, announced that this new route will make Batik Air the fifth airline to operate flights to Dili. The flight duration is approximately four hours.
Amarjit highlighted that the air services agreement was signed in June and has since received the necessary approvals from the Transport Ministry and the Malaysian Aviation Commission. Final discussions regarding flight schedules and traffic rights are underway, with optimism for a launch before the Chinese New Year.
Batik Air Flights To Timor-Leste in 2025
This development is significant for Timor-Leste, as improved regional and international connectivity is essential for attracting investors and supporting economic growth. The country is recognized for its petroleum and coffee exports, and enhanced connectivity could facilitate further opportunities.
Ambassador Datuk Amarjit Singh anticipates significant growth in air traffic between Malaysia and Timor-Leste, driven by the latter’s development agenda and plans to join ASEAN. This membership aims to enhance the economic status of Timor-Leste’s 1.4 million residents.
He noted that the first group of 31 government-sponsored students will depart for Malaysia to study in private institutions this November, and he expects this number to double next year. Additionally, a government-sponsored healthcare program facilitates patient referrals to hospitals in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Melaka, indicating a rising demand for medical services.
Amarjit believes these factors will establish a sustainable air route, particularly as Malaysia prepares to assume the ASEAN chairmanship next year. He emphasized that Batik Air’s entry into the market could significantly boost the two countries’ tourism, trade, and business connections.
Furthermore, he mentioned the increase in Timorese officials trained under Malaysia’s Technical Cooperation Programme, which rose from 650 at the end of 2022 to over 800. More information will be available from Batik Air’s website.
Conclusion
Batik Air, which began operations in March 2013, offers 800 weekly flights across 52 Southeast Asian routes from its bases in Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Subang Airport.
