New Batik Air route connecting Langkawi & Tashkent launched

The new Tashkent-Langkawi flight by Batik Air will commence weekly, connecting Malaysia and Uzbekistan.

LANGKAWI, 18 December 2025: Batik Air’s latest route, a direct flight connecting Malaysia’s Langkawi Island and Uzbekistan’s Tashkent was officially launched on December 15, 2025, marking a significant milestone in enhancing international connectivity. The flight, announced by Tourism Malaysia in collaboration with Batik Air and the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), is set to deliver a strategic boost to Malaysian tourism ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). 

The inaugural flight, operated by Boeing 737 MAX, touched down at the Langkawi International Airport with 152 passengers on board, marking the commencement of a new weekly service that will connect Uzbekistan and Malaysia, providing travellers with seamless access to the region’s tropical charm and world-class hospitality. 

With 12,655 visitors from Uzbekistan recorded between January and August 2025, this new direct route is expected to further boost arrivals from this emerging market, bolstering international connectivity while unlocking fresh opportunities for trade, investment, and cultural exchange. By bringing the two nations closer together, this enhanced air link paves the way for premium travel experiences and fosters a vibrant, long-term tourism partnership between Uzbekistan and Malaysia.

“The launch of the Tashkent–Langkawi flight is an exciting milestone that elevates Malaysia’s appeal among long-haul travellers. With Visit Malaysia 2026 approaching, this new connectivity showcases our expanding collaborations and boosts Malaysia’s visibility and competitiveness within the Central Asia markets,” said Head of the Secretariat VM2026, Mohd Akbal Setia, representing the Director General of Tourism Malaysia. 

Welcome gifts by Tourism Malaysia and LADA team to all the passengers on the inaugural Tashkent-Langkawi flight.

Jointly organised with the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), the welcoming ceremony featured a traditional music performance and captivating cultural showcases, embodying Malaysia’s signature warmth and hospitality. Supported by LADA, Kedah Tourism, and key industry stakeholders, Tourism Malaysia remains committed to forging strategic partnerships with both domestic and international airlines to amplify its promotional efforts. This initiative serves as a vital precursor to the VM2026 campaign, which is set to commence in less than a month. 

The government’s aspirations for VM2026 are twofold: to welcome 47 million international visitors and to stimulate a significant increase in domestic travel, ensuring the campaign's success as a comprehensive strategic framework for the future of Malaysia’s tourism industry.