Malaysia s Subang Airport soars again with Batik Air s expansion

SHAH ALAM - The Subang Airport Regeneration Plan (Sarp) is gaining momentum as Batik Air moves to expand its presence there, and fill the gap left by AirAsia’s impending relocation to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s (KLIA) second terminal.

Industry players and aviation experts have expressed optimism about Subang Airport’s role in reducing congestion at KLIA and enhancing regional connectivity, with Transport Minister Anthony Loke also giving it the thumbs-up.

He welcomed Batik Air’s plans to increase its operations at Subang Airport, saying that the airline’s expansion will compensate for AirAsia’s withdrawal.

“That’s just how it is. As one airline leaves, it provides the opportunity for others to pick up the slack,” he told The Star on the sidelines of the Democratic Action Party’s 18th National Congress on March 16.

Batik Air chief executive Chandran Rama Muthy confirmed that the airline was looking to secure six additional slot pairs at Subang Airport in the short term.

He said the airport was a strategic alternative for Klang Valley residents, and offers convenience while reducing reliance on KLIA.

“Subang Airport can help ease congestion at KLIA, and facilitate point-to-point domestic travel within Malaysia,” he said.

With AirAsia’s planned exit from the airport in April, he said Batik Air saw an opportunity to expand operations at Subang.

He acknowledged that while Malaysia Airports Holdings and the slot committee were being cautious with slot allocations, Subang Airport now has seven months of operational experience under Sarp and was prepared to handle more flights.

Datuk Chandran said Subang Airport could function as a dedicated city airport, helping to relieve KLIA’s peak-season congestion.

“Even the highways to KLIA are always congested during peak seasons. While we wait for KLIA to expand under new management, Subang Airport is the perfect alternative to divert some traffic and ease