Lion Group expanding network from Changi

Lion Group, whose operations in Singapore span Batik Air Indonesia, Batik Air Malaysia, and Thai Lion Air, is set to strengthen its presence at Changi Airport with enhanced connectivity to Malaysia. Batik Air Malaysia will introduce new flights to Ipoh and Penang, expanding its network to include these two new Malaysian cities, as well as a new Subang-Singapore service, starting from December 2025. This is in addition to its current four daily flight services between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Lion Group’s operations in Changi Airport currently comprise 88 weekly services that connect Singapore to five cities across Indonesia (Jakarta, Denpasar, Medan), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), and Thailand (Bangkok).  With steady growth since the inception of their operations at Changi Airport since 2015, Batik Air Indonesia and Thai Lion Air recently marked their 10th anniversary at Changi on 14 and 15 August 2025, respectively. To cater to Lion Group’s future growth and better serve rising air travel demand in the region, the airline group will relocate from Terminal 3 and commence operations at Terminal 4 (T4) from November 2025. With a handling capacity of up to 16 million passenger movements annually, T4 is designed with a high degree of automation throughout the airport journey. The terminal offers passengers a distinctive mix of retail offerings and attractions, including the Chandelier playground, Steel in Bloomgarden, and the nostalgic Heritage Zone. CAG is working closely with Lion Group for its airlines to be fully onboarded onto FAST, a suite of automated self-service options spanning check-in to boarding, for a more seamless airport journey for its passengers. Various trials leading up to the move will be conducted to ensure a smooth transition. With Lion Group’s relocation, 20 airlines comprising a mix of 10 full-service and 10 low-cost carriers will operate at Terminal 4. Lim Ching Kiat, Executive Vice President of Air Hub and Cargo Development, Changi Airport Group said, “CAG views Lion Group – one of the largest airline groups in Southeast Asia – as a key and valued partner for growing our regional connectivity. We are excited to welcome Batik Air Malaysia’s new services from December 2025 to Ipoh, Penang and Subang. With this, services from Singapore to Malaysia will reach over 460 weekly departing flights, entrenching Malaysia’s position as one of Changi’s top markets. Lion Group’s relocation to Terminal 4 will also provide headroom for the group’s continued growth in Singapore, and we look forward to strengthening our longstanding collaboration.” Capt. Daniel Putut, President Director, Lion Group said, “At Lion Group, we place our customers at the centre of every development. The relocation to Changi Airport Terminal 4 is designed to elevate the travel experience, offering our passengers greater convenience, faster processes, and access to a modern terminal with unique attractions. This move enables Batik Air to better connect Indonesia and Singapore, two important gateways in the region, while ensuring a seamless journey that meets the growing expectations of today’s travelers. Beyond improving comfort and efficiency, this expansion reflects our long-term vision to grow alongside our customers’ needs. With enhanced capacity at T4, Batik Air and the Lion Group are well-positioned to introduce more routes and strengthen regional connectivity. Ultimately, this step allows us to serve rising demand, provide more choices, and create meaningful value for our passengers, reinforcing our role as a bridge that connects communities across Asia.” Chandran Rama Muthy, Chief Executive Officer, Batik Air Malaysia said, “Singapore has always been an important destination for us, and Batik Air is proud to strengthen its presence here. Enhancing connectivity with the city not only expands travel choices but also opens doors for tourism, business, and cultural exchange. This step forward brings our communities closer while paving the way for greater collaboration and shared growth.” He added that the new routes from Singapore to Ipoh, Penang, and Subang give travellers more options to explore Malaysia’s unique destinations, making quick getaways easier for Singapore residents. These services also support the lead-up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026, while offering seamless onward connections via Kuala Lumpur to over 63 destinations across 20 countries. Nuntaporn Komonsittivate, Head of Commercial, Thai Lion Air said, “Singapore has been our inaugural international destination and has remained a key market throughout 12 years of our operations. As a major hub for both tourism and business, Singapore consistently ranks among the most popular destinations for Thai travellers as well as tourists from other countries, drawn by its diverse attractions and rich cultural heritage. Furthermore, Thai Lion Air plans to expand its direct flight services from additional cities in Thailand to Singapore, offering travellers greater alternatives and convenience. Currently, we operate flights on 16 routes across Thailand and 32 routes throughout Asia.” In the last year, T4 welcomed a few new additions to its retail and dining offerings. Sports brand Adidas opened a new double-volume store along the transit shopping street, providing travellers with an enhanced shopping experience. ZUS launched its first-in-Singapore store, offering a fresh specialty coffee experience at the terminal. Food and beverage options have also expanded at the terminal’s public areas with the introduction of Roost, serving Singapore’s iconic chicken rice, Papparich, known for its hearty Malaysian staples, and GO Noodle House, a Jiangxi-style noodle eatery, adding greater variety to T4’s dining scene. With more airlines moving to T4, shuttle bus services connecting T4 to the other terminals will increase in frequency to offer passengers a smoother and more convenient travel experience. From November 2025, passengers taking the MRT to Changi Airport and heading towards T4, or arriving at T4 and taking the MRT thereafter, can look forward to shuttle buses arriving every five minutes. This enhanced schedule means shorter waiting times and a more seamless journey for both passengers and visitors. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]