KUALA LUMPUR, 16 April 2026: Batik Air is strengthening its international network by introducing new direct services to two key global markets: China and Australia.
The Kuala Lumpur–Shanghai service commences on 23 June 2026, with daily departures and a flight time of five hours and 40 minutes.
It marks a significant milestone in Batik Air’s network expansion into China, complementing its existing services to Changsha, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Kunming, Xiamen, and Zhengzhou. A Boeing 737 MAX 8 with 180 seats will serve the new route to Shanghai, further reinforcing connectivity between Kuala Lumpur and one of the Asia-Pacific region’s key economic and tourism centres.
Flight schedule
OD680 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 1700 and arrives in Shanghai (PVG) at 2255 (daily).
OD681 departs Shanghai (PVG) at 2325 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 0515 (daily).
Shanghai is a global metropolis where heritage meets innovation, defined by the historic The Bund and the futuristic skyline of Pudong, alongside vibrant districts like the Former French Concession and Nanjing Road that highlight the city’s cultural depth and dynamic lifestyle. As a leading hub for commerce, culture, and leisure, Shanghai continues to attract both business and leisure travellers with its distinctive blend of tradition and modernity. All-in-one-way fares start from MYR399 for economy class and MYR1,679 for business class.
In parallel with its expansion into China, Batik Air will introduce a direct Kuala Lumpur–Sydney service commencing 1 July 2026, operated by Airbus A330 aircraft configured with business and economy cabins. The airline currently serves Australia through Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney via Denpasar, as well as 14 weekly direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Perth. The new non-stop Sydney service will operate daily with a flight time of eight hours and 5 minutes.
Flight schedule
OD171 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 2340 and arrives in Sydney (SYD) at 0945.
OD172 departs Sydney (SYD) at 1115 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 1830.
Previously, the flight to Sydney made a transit stop in Bali, Denpasar (DPS).
Sydney, Australia’s largest city and a leading international gateway, combines natural attractions with urban appeal. Iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, along with destinations like Darling Harbour and Bondi Beach, contribute to its global recognition. As a key commercial and financial centre and primary entry point into Australia, Sydney plays a vital role in regional and long-haul travel networks. All-in-one-way fares starting from MYR749 for economy class and MYR4,069 for business class
The new routes to Shanghai and Sydney come amid continued momentum in Malaysia’s travel sector, with both China and Australia remaining key contributors to inbound and outbound traffic. In 2025, Malaysia recorded approximately 4.7 million visitors from China and over half a million visitors from Australia (source: Malaysia Tourism Statistics).
Improved connectivity and ongoing travel facilitation, including visa-free access for Malaysian travellers to China for short stays, continue to support increased mobility and accessibility between the two countries. Australia similarly maintains strong bilateral travel flows, driven by tourism, business, and Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) segments.
Batik Air Chief Executive Officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy said the introduction of both routes reflects the airline’s continued commitment to building a resilient, demand-driven network while maintaining a measured outlook amid an evolving global environment.
“Batik Air continues to align its network with sustained market demand, and the addition of Shanghai and Sydney strengthens two of our most important international corridors,” he said. “These routes support tourism and business travel while enhancing overall connectivity between Malaysia and key global markets.”
(Source: Batik Air)
