Batik Air has unveiled its latest route expansion to include Beijing and Changsha starting March 2025, enhancing opportunities for Malaysia-China bilateral tourism and trade.
Based on a report by Gaya Travel Magazine, the inaugural flight to Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) will take off on 21 March 2025, operating three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Meanwhile, flights to Changsha Huanghua International Airport (CSX) will commence on 22 March 2025, with services running four times weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Batik Air Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, highlighted the strategic importance of the new routes, “These new routes reaffirm our commitment to providing greater connectivity and more travel options, while enhancing tourism and trade between Malaysia and China.”
These two new destinations will become Batik Air’s 7th and 8th routes in China, joining the airline’s existing services to Chengdu, Guangzhou, Haikou, Kunming, Zhangjiajie and Zhengzhou.
In 2023, Malaysia welcomed over 1.47 million Chinese visitors, and in 2024, the number has grown to 2.82 million since January 2024 to date, marking a percentage increase of approximately 92.5%, solidifying China’s position as the third-largest source of international arrivals. These visitors made a significant contribution of over RM8.83 billion to Malaysia’s economy last year.
For local travellers to China, they can expect to witness Beijing as a harmonious blend of ancient heritage and modern innovation, and gauge the city’s tremendous political weight as China’s ruling capital. From the architectural marvels of the Forbidden City and the timeless majesty of the Great Wall to contemporary landmarks like the National Centre for the Performing Arts, the city offers an endless array of cultural and historical treasures.
Changsha is the the capital of Hunan Province, and is equally captivating with its unique blend of history, culture, and modern vibrancy. Iconic landmarks such as Orange Island Park and Yuelu Mountain offer both stunning natural vistas and glimpses into the city’s storied past. Changsha’s robust economic growth further cements its appeal as a centre for tourism and business.
