ER
AIRASIA is pleased to announce the opening of a new route from Kuala Lumpur to Palembang, scheduled to commence in September 2025.
AirAsia airlines will resume the operation of the Palembang-Kuala Lumpur-Palembang route, following the re-designation of Sultan Mahmud Badarudin II Airport as an international airport in April 2025.
Eddy Kismisidi Soemawilaga, Head of Government Affairs and Indonesian Policy at PT Indonesia AirAsia, stated that the plan to launch the first international flight is scheduled for September or October.
“We have initiated the licensing process with the Directorate General of Air Transportation and the related sector. We are optimistic that it will proceed efficiently. The possibility of accelerating this process hinges on the expedited completion of licensing procedures,” Eddy stated on Monday, June 2, 2025.
Eddy stated that Kuala Lumpur was selected as the destination for the inaugural flight operated by AirAsia in Palembang, given its status as a key component of AirAsia’s expansive international hub network.
Eddy noted that Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia, which, based on the number of foreign tourists who visit Indonesia, contributes significantly compared to others.
Prior to the impact of the pandemic, AirAsia had already initiated operations on this route, particularly in South Sumatra. He stated that AirAsia’s performance at that time reached 83 percent, with a transport volume of approximately 160,000 passengers.
Eddy stated that flights will be operational once a day, as previously scheduled.
Meanwhile, in the inaugural international flight, the General Manager of Sultan Mahmud Badarudin II Airport, R Iwan Winaya Mahdar, stated that he had meticulously prepared all aspects of the operation, including facilities and human resources, in accordance with the provisions of Ministerial Decree No. 26 issued on April 25, 2025.
Iwan stated that prior to its transition to a domestic airport, SMB II had already initiated international flight operations. In 2019, data indicated that approximately 253,634 special international passengers utilized the flights between Palembang and Kuala Lumpur and between Palembang and Singapore operated by AirAsia, Jet Star, Tiger, Scoot, Lion, and Garuda Indonesia airlines.
“Our doors are open, and we are eager to begin operations. It is our hope that this will be the inaugural flight of AirAsia, which will undoubtedly be competing against other airlines,” he stated.
Iwan stated that, in response to the inquiry regarding the subsequent flight’s airline, there was no formal letter addressed to the airport. However, the airport is informed informally if the Air Batik Group’s Malindo airline, which is owned by Malaysia, will be making flights in Indonesia.
“I have submitted it again, so hopefully it can run as before and become an alternative airport service user for AirAsia, Malindo, and other airlines,” he finished. [source/photo special]
