Batik Air temporarily suspends flights to and from Auckland and expects the route to be available again in December 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 – Indonesian commercial airline Batik Air has temporarily suspended all its flights to and from Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, via Perth, Australia, effective July 19.

Batik Air CEO Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy said the decision was due to operational requirements.

Advertising

Advertising

“The airline regrets any inconvenience caused and remains confident that these strategic adjustments will strengthen its operational framework.”

“The upcoming replacement with a direct service will increase connectivity and opportunities for travelers across the Batik Air network and enhance the travel experience of our passengers,” he said in a statement today.

He added that passengers who had booked flights to and from Auckland during this temporary suspension could receive a full refund upon presentation of their tickets.

“Batik Air understands the inconvenience caused and assures the affected passengers of dedicated support during the adjustment period. The airline would like to express its sincere gratitude to its valued customers for their support,” he said.

Chandran confirmed that Batik Air will resume operations to Auckland (AKL) with direct flights from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) in December 2024, subject to regulatory approvals.

“Batik Air reaffirms its continued commitment to the New Zealand market and recognises its importance as an excellent addition to its network.

“With its vibrant tourism sector, robust economy and strong cultural ties with Asia Pacific countries, New Zealand represents a key market for Batik Air,” he said.

He added that the revised plan would provide better connectivity to the airline’s markets in the Middle East, Central Asia and the rest of the Asia-Pacific region.

He also said the airline will continue to work with tourism authorities to support travel and tourism in the high-growth markets of the Asia-Pacific region.

Last month, Batik Air also suspended its operations to Istanbul, Turkey, as the current situation in the Middle East made it difficult to continue flights to the region.

In March, it was reported that two of the airline’s pilots were suspended after falling asleep for 28 minutes in mid-flight.

The Airbus A320 briefly deviated from its course but landed safely; all 153 passengers and crew members were uninjured.

The Indonesian Ministry of Transport has issued a stern warning to Batik Air on this matter.