On 1 December 2024 Senai Airport Terminal Services Sdn Bhd (Senai International Airport), a member of MMC Group, marked a significant milestone with the arrival of Batik Air's inaugural direct flight from Bangkok. The flight, carrying 145 passengers, including two pilots and four cabin crew members, landed ahead of schedule at 5:00 p.m. using a B737 aircraft for this commercial flight. The flight was greeted with a ceremonial water salute, symbolising a warm and momentous welcome.
The welcoming event of the maiden trip was attended by notable guests, including YB Tuan Raven Kumar, Chairman of the Johor Tourism, Environment, Heritage, and Culture Committee; Kennedy Ayu, Chief Executive Officer of Senai Airport Terminal Services; Shahril Nizam Abdul Rahim, Director of Tourism Johor; and Mohd Roslan Abdullah, Director of Tourism Malaysia's International Promotion Division (ASEAN).
The new Johor Bahru-Bangkok route is expected to enhance cross-border connectivity, creating opportunities for tourism, trade, and investment between Malaysia and Thailand. This expansion positions Johor Bahru as a convenient gateway for international travellers, encouraging more visitors to explore the city's attractions. With historical landmarks like Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim and modern leisure destinations such as Legoland Malaysia, Johor offers a unique blend of heritage and modernity for tourists.
For Thai entrepreneurs, the direct connection facilitates smoother access to the Johor Singapore - Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), a key business hub in Southeast Asia. This enhanced connectivity is expected to strengthen regional ties and foster collaborative ventures across industries.
The flight will operate daily, departing at 12:15 pm with a total travel time of two hours and 30 minutes. This service caters to both business and leisure travellers, offering options in Business Class and Economy to ensure a flexible and comfortable travel experience.