Batik Air Malaysia will end its Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – Amritsar (ATQ) service from August 1, 2025, despite averaging a strong 84.27% passenger load factor.
The route, once among the best performers in terms of occupancy, ultimately fell short on profitability due to low seat yields and weak transit demand. The airline had attempted to boost returns with connections to cities like Bali, Jakarta, and Melbourne but uptake remained insufficient.
From November 2024 to May 2025, three carriers operated on this sector:
- Malaysia Airlines (MH): 85.79% PLF
- Batik Air Malaysia (OD): 84.27% PLF
- AirAsia Malaysia (AK): 77.22% PLF
Malaysia Airlines currently operates daily Boeing 737 flights, benefiting from better connectivity to Australia and New Zealand. AirAsia, meanwhile, shifted from A330s to more cost-efficient A321neos on a 4x weekly schedule.
In contrast, Batik Air reduced its frequency from 4x to 2x weekly before deciding to exit. Base fares remained low, between USD $180–240 round-trip, further tightening margins on an already price-sensitive route.
Thai Lion Air (SL), a sister airline under the Lion Air Group, continues to fly 4 times weekly between Bangkok (DMK) and Amritsar. But competition remains strong, especially from Air India Express, which leverages cargo to strengthen overall yield.
The key takeaway: High load factors don’t guarantee route viability. Sustainable success depends on yield, connectivity, and cost control, not just full seats.
