TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - AirAsia has officially opened a new international route to Palembang, Indonesia, through its inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur. This milestone marks the return of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport’s status as an international airport.
AirAsia Malaysia CEO Captain Fareh Mazputra welcomed the reactivation of international services at the airport.
"By reconnecting Palembang to our extensive network, we are not only strengthening family and cultural ties but also opening new avenues for economic, investment, and tourism exchanges," Fareh said in a written statement on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
According to Fareh, Palembang has been a top priority for AirAsia since the COVID-19 pandemic. The city sees strong travel demand, particularly during the Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha seasons for 'Balik Kampung' visits.
He added that the reopening of international flights would help revive local tourism and boost related sectors such as transportation, hospitality, and food and beverage.
Fareh also emphasized that Indonesia is targeting 14.6 to 16 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2025. Expanding regional access through AirAsia, especially to secondary cities like Palembang, will play a crucial role in meeting this target.
15 Destinations in Indonesia Connected to Malaysia
The new daily service further enhances connectivity between Malaysia and Indonesia. It is part of a network of 205 weekly flights operated by AirAsia between the two countries.
Currently, AirAsia Malaysia (AK) operates flights from Kuala Lumpur to 15 destinations in Indonesia. These include Jakarta, Denpasar (Bali), Medan, Yogyakarta, Banda Aceh, Makassar, Padang, Pekanbaru, Balikpapan, Labuan Bajo, and Lombok. The airline also offers flights from Penang to Jakarta and Medan.
South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru expressed optimism about the reactivation of international routes.
"We expect a more significant increase, especially in the tourism sector and economic growth in the coming months following the activation of international flights at Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International Airport," Herman said.
Boosting Growth in South Sumatra and Malaysia
In 2024, the Indonesian Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported that the occupancy rate of starred hotels in South Sumatra reached 51.85 percent. The province's economy grew by 5.03 percent, driven by the manufacturing, trade, transportation, and warehousing sectors.
As the capital of the province, Palembang plays a key role in driving this growth through improved air connectivity.
Meanwhile, Malaysia's Department of Statistics (DOSM) recorded that Kuala Lumpur's economy grew by 5.6 percent in 2024, led by the service and tourism industries. Malaysia remains one of the largest markets for Indonesian tourism.
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