Thursday Feb 26, 2026
Thursday Feb 26, 2026
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M&C Aviation Group President and CEO Charles Wijesundera
Malaysian Tourism Director Hishamuddin Mustafa
Civil Aviation Authority Director General and CEO Capt. Daminda Rambukwella
Malaysian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Badli Hisham Adam
Batik Air will relaunch operations to Sri Lanka from 30 March with four weekly flights between Colombo and Kuala Lumpur, restoring direct connectivity that industry stakeholders say will support tourism, trade, and cargo flows between the two countries.
The relaunch was announced at an event in Colombo yesterday, attended by aviation, tourism, and diplomatic representatives.
M&C Aviation Founder and President Charles Wijesundera, the airline’s general sales agent (GSA), said the return of Batik Air, formerly operating as Malindo Air, would provide Sri Lankan travellers with expanded access to the Asia-Pacific network.
He described the carrier as a hybrid airline offering competitive fares alongside full-service elements, with connectivity to Southeast Asia, North Asia, China, and Australia via Kuala Lumpur. The service is expected to appeal to the leisure, business, education, and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) segments, while also supporting export cargo movements.
“We are confident Batik Air will become a carrier of choice for Sri Lankan travellers,” he said, noting that M&C Aviation now operates across 34 countries, with headquarters in Singapore.
Tourism Malaysia Director Hishamuddin Mustafa said the additional capacity would further strengthen bilateral travel flows. Malaysia registered 61,766 Sri Lankan visitor arrivals in 2024, rising to 77,022 in 2025 reflecting a 24.7% increase year-on-year (YoY).
With the introduction of four weekly Batik Air services, Mustafa said the aim is to increase Sri Lankan arrivals by a further 10-15% in 2026, which has been designated ‘Visit Malaysia Year.’
He also signalled plans for joint promotional campaigns with travel agents and the airline, including themed initiatives such as golf tournaments and niche travel segments.
Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka Director General and CEO Daminda Rambukwella welcomed the relaunch, describing aviation and tourism as “two sides of the same coin.”
He said the restoration of services reflects growing airline confidence in Sri Lanka’s recovery, with several carriers expanding operations in recent months. The regulator, he added, remains committed to facilitating operations, whilst ensuring compliance with safety and security standards.
Malaysian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Badli Hisham Adam highlighted the cultural and historical links between the two countries and said improved air connectivity would deepen people-to-people ties and economic engagement.
The Colombo-Kuala Lumpur route is expected to enhance onward connectivity to Asia and Australia through Kuala Lumpur International Airport, while also improving inbound travel options to Sri Lanka. (CdeS)
Pix by Lasantha Kumara
