KUALA LUMPUR: Batik Air proudly hosted a send-off ceremony for Ayyappan Swamy devotees at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA Terminal 1), marking the departure of 140 devotees from Malaysia embarking on their sacred pilgrimage to Tiruchirappalli, India.
The ceremony held on Saturday, 3rd January 2026, which was attended by YB Tuan Gunarajah R. George, ADUN Sentosa, reflects Batik Air’s ongoing commitment to supporting meaningful journeys and religious traditions, especially the annual Ayyappan Swamy pilgrimage, observed by over 50,000 devotees each year.
In response to the growing number of devotees travelling to India, Batik Air provided special facilitation this year to support the pilgrimage. These efforts included organising a dedicated sendoff at KLIA and coordinating travel arrangements to ensure a smooth and respectful departure for the devotees as they begin their spiritual journey.
Batik Air Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, said the airline recognises the importance of the pilgrimage and the responsibility that comes with facilitating such journeys.
“The Ayyappan Swamy pilgrimage carries deep spiritual meaning for the devotees, and we want their journey to begin in a manner that reflects dignity, care, and respect. Beyond transporting passengers, it is about understanding the significance of their purpose and ensuring their experience is handled with sensitivity and attention.”
He added that Batik Air aims to make the beginning of the pilgrimage a meaningful and memorable experience for the devotees, setting the tone for the journey ahead.
As part of the send-off, Batik Air also presented a small gift of ghee to the devotees, courtesy of Enrico, in support of essential religious requirements associated with the pilgrimage.
Through initiatives such as this, Batik Air continues to work closely with relevant authorities and partners to support community and religious travel, ensuring a seamless experience from departure to destination while upholding service standards and operational efficiency.
For more information and to plan your next journey, download Batik Air mobile app or visit www.batikair.com
