Regional travel is getting a refined new option. Malaysia’s Berjaya Air has unveiled its first international routes departing from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, introducing direct flights to Koh Samui and Medan designed with the modern lifestyle traveller in mind.
Launching on 22 April 2026, the new services are built around a simple proposition: fewer crowds, fewer transit points and a more thoughtful way to fly. Operating three times a week on each route, the flights connect city departure directly to island or cultural destination—removing the usual sequence of transfers, ferries or connecting flights that often accompany regional travel.
Direct Gateway To Paradise
Photo: Valeria Hutter/Unsplash
The Koh Samui route is particularly significant, offering the only direct link between Subang and the Thai island retreat. Known for its lush hillsides, discreet private villas and quietly luxurious beach resorts, Koh Samui has long attracted travellers seeking a slower, more understated tropical escape.
For those heading west across the Strait of Malacca, the Medan service opens the door to one of Indonesia’s most compelling urban gateways. The city blends colonial-era architecture with one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant culinary scenes, while nearby natural landmarks such as Lake Toba offer dramatic landscapes and restorative nature escapes.
Elevated Flying Experience
What sets the new routes apart is the aircraft itself. Flights will operate on a specially configured ATR 72-600 featuring just 26 seats—all business class. The configuration creates a notably spacious cabin environment where boarding is swift, the atmosphere remains unhurried and the overall pace of travel feels closer to a boutique hospitality experience than a conventional short-haul flight.
The airline’s approach reflects the broader philosophy of the Berjaya Group, whose portfolio spans hospitality, resorts and lifestyle destinations across the region. In practice, that heritage translates into an experience that extends well beyond the aircraft cabin.
Passengers can expect dedicated check-in counters, a personalised boarding process and lounge access before departure. Once airborne, the culinary offering continues the hospitality focus. Menus draw inspiration from Berjaya Hotels & Resorts, with a curated menu as well as gourmet bites.
Expanded Network
Flight packages across Berjaya Air’s network reflect the airline’s boutique, all-business-class positioning, with return fares starting from RM3,996 to Koh Samui, RM1,847 to Medan, RM3,569 to Redang, and RM4,902 for the Seletar–Redang route. Each package includes 30kg of check-in baggage, 7kg cabin baggage allowance, and an exclusive RM200 accommodation voucher redeemable at any Berjaya Hotels & Resorts.
The new international routes also complement the airline’s existing regional network, which includes connections between Subang, Redang Island and Seletar Airport. That service provides direct access to the shores of the South China Sea and the secluded luxury of The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort.
For travellers increasingly prioritising time, comfort and simplicity, the appeal is clear. In a region where journeys often involve multiple transfers, Berjaya Air’s new routes suggest a different approach: one where the journey begins calmly—and the destination feels closer from the very start.
(Photos: Berjaya Air)
