KUCHING, Feb 7: AirAsia’s direct flight between Kuching and Penang will be suspended effective March 1, 2023.
The airline in a statement today informed that affected guests have been contacted by email, notifying that their flights have been moved to the best available ‘FlyThru’ options between the two destinations with a stopover in Kuala Lumpur (klia2) so as to avoid any disruption to their travel plans.
The affected passengers have three options where they can opt to take a free change of flight according to the new route through Kuala Lumpur, get their air ticket converted as credit in their AirAsia account, or get a refund.
Minister of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said he attended a short briefing with AirAsia Berhad Government Relations Officer Hamdan Mohamad and MOTS Head of Aviation Zulkarnain Rosli yesterday.
He said the Ministry acknowledged the decision made by AirAsia Berhad management especially with half of their aircraft still scheduled for maintenance.
“With AirAsia’s move, Sarawak’s direct flight between Penang and Kuching will only be left with Firefly Sdn Bhd, which also operates the Penang-Kuching route with a flight frequency of twice daily.
“Passengers can also opt to take the Firefly air service if they think the journey with AirAsia from Penang to Kuching is too long,” he said in a statement today.
Lee further said that the rescheduling of flights is inevitable in the airline industry for various operational circumstances.
However, the airline is obliged to provide sufficient notice as well as provide the first available alternative flight or a full refund to affected passengers.
He advised affected passengers to make further complaints to the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) if they have issues in getting their air ticket refunded through the MAVCOM website link here. — DayakDaily
