KUALA LUMPUR, 13 January 2026: Sabah loses Batik Air’s direct flights between Kota Kinabalu and Seoul, Korea, barely six months after they began in September 2025.
Flagged as flights to boost tourism between the East Malaysian state and South Korea, Batik Air confirmed in a bulletin to travel agents that it will suspend its direct service to Kota Kinabalu on 17 April. The airline cited flight schedule adjustments prompted by aircraft maintenance requirements.
The route currently operates three times weekly ( Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays) using Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Batik Air: Refunds and rebooking
For bookings late April 2026 and beyond, the airline is obliged to reach out to passengers and offer refunds or alternative flight arrangements (via Kuala Lumpur). Check flight status on the Batik Air website, or contact the online booking site or travel agency that processed the booking and ticket.
Alternative airlines
Travellers planning to fly direct between Kota Kinabalu and Seoul after mid-April have a choice of four other airlines, all offering daily services: AirAsia, Jeju Air, Jin Air, and T’way Air.
AirAsia or Jin Air are the best direct replacements, as they offer late-night departures from Kota Kinabalu that arrive in Seoul early in the morning.
AirAsia: Currently offers the most competitive pricing for a direct flight.
Departure BKI: 2250. Arrival ICN: 0505.
Fare: From approximately MYR890 round-trip.
Jin Air: Another reliable non-stop option, often preferred for including a small snack and checked baggage in some fare classes.
Departure BKI: 1235. Arrival: 0655.
Fare: From MYR1,070 round-trip.
Connecting flights
Batik Air (via Kuala Lumpur): You can still fly Batik Air, but it will require a layover in Kuala Lumpur (KUL). This significantly increases travel time to about 13+ hours.
(Source: TTRW)
