Batik Air’s Guangzhou-Kuching direct flight officially launched

Inaugural direct flight from Guangzhou to Kuching officially landed in Kuching International Airport earlier this morning, and was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute.

KUCHING, 18 March 2026: The inaugural direct flight from Guangzhou, China to Kuching, operated by Batik Air Malaysia, officially landed at the Kuching International Airport earlier this morning and was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute, marking the commencement of the new international air route.

Flight OD663, which carried a full load of 157 passengers from China, landed at 7.30AM earlier today, and was received by Sarawak’s Deputy Minister for Transport (Riverine & Marine), Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, who represented the Minister for Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Minister of Transport Sarawak, Batu Kitang Assemblyman, Datuk Lo Khere Chiang and Tourism Malaysia Sarawak Director, Rubiah Tul’Adwiyah Md Yusof, who welcomed the passengers with goodie bags, traditional beaded necklaces.

A group photo in front of Batik Air’s flight OD663 from Guangzhou, China.

In a press statement, Dato Sri Lee shared that the air link will undoubtedly strengthen tourism, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges between Sarawak and China, while reinforcing Kuching’s role as an emerging international aviation gateway. “The new route will greatly benefit business travellers by providing more convenient and seamless access, while opening up wider economic and investment opportunities between both regions.”

He also shared that during his recent meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of Batik Air Malaysia, Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy in Kuala Lumpur the week before, they discussed a number of key matters, including the enhancement of air connectivity to Sarawak.

“Our ministry would like to express our appreciation to Batik Air and Bao Hang International Sdn Bhd for their commitment in introducing, promoting and facilitating the scheduled chartered flight service. We hope that this route will continue to grow and eventually be developed into a regular scheduled direct service,” he added. He also expressed hope that more international cities will recognise the potential of Sarawak and explore the development of more direct flight connections to the state.

Passengers on flight OD663 receiving a traditional welcome at Kuching International Airport, including a traditional beaded necklace and some goodie bags.

The flights between Guangzhou and Kuching will run twice weekly on a year-round basis. Flights will depart from Kuching every Tuesday and Saturday at 10.20PM (Flight OD662), arriving in Guangzhou at 2.20AM the following day. Return flights will operate every Wednesday and Sunday at 3.20AM (Flight OD663) and arrive in Kuching at 7.20AM. 

Book your Guangzhou getaway today at https://www.batikair.com.my/