LANGKAWI, August 18 – The picturesque island of Langkawi, known as the 99 Magical Islands in the Sun, is set to experience a boost in tourism as Batik Air launches chartered flights from Chengdu, China. The first chartered flight arrived on the island today, carrying 180 passengers, marking a significant step in the island’s post-pandemic recovery. Batik Air’s Boeing 737 chartered flights from Chengdu to Langkawi will operate for a total of 10 inaugural flights between July 22 and July 31, 2023, with a combined capacity of 1,800 passengers.
The maiden flight, greeted by YBrs. Tuan Wan Kamarul Faisal Wan Kamardin, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), landed at Langkawi International Airport at 7.25 am. Tuan Wan Kamarul expressed his delight in welcoming travellers from Chengdu and emphasized the importance of Chinese tourists to Langkawi’s tourism industry. He highlighted that tourists from China have long been enthusiastic admirers of Langkawi, contributing significantly to the island’s visitor numbers and expenditure in the past.
Langkawi’s natural beauty, unique experiences, sun-kissed beaches, and pristine waters have made it a preferred holiday destination for Chinese travelers. With the resurgence of air travel this year, Langkawi is optimistic about attracting more tourists from various parts of China and the world. The introduction of chartered flights from Chengdu is expected to stimulate demand and lead to an increase in direct flights to Langkawi from other destinations worldwide. In 2022, Langkawi welcomed 2.57 million tourists, and this number is projected to grow to 3.2 million in 2023, showcasing the island’s increasing popularity among global travelers.
To further boost tourism, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) has planned a series of high-impact events and experiences within the island, positioning Langkawi as a must-visit destination. Events like IRONMAN Malaysia Langkawi, Langkawi Legendary Ride 2023, Langkawi Geopark Enduro Challenge, and Langkawi International Half Marathon will captivate visitors throughout the year. The island also offers new attractions, including the Dream Forest, Malaysia’s first immersive night attraction.
The park presents local stories and legends through mesmerizing soundscapes, illuminations, and projection mapping on trees, providing visitors with a surreal experience surrounded by the natural beauty of the rainforest. The reopening of China’s borders in 2023, combined with the launch of direct chartered flights to Langkawi, is expected to have a significant positive impact on the island’s tourism industry. As Langkawi’s local economy flourishes and job opportunities increase, the future looks promising for this enchanting destination.
