By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, March 26: Low cost carrier AirAsia Bhd (AirAsia) will temporarily suspend some of its domestic and international flights due to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
AirAsia in a statement today revealed it is temporarily resting some of its aircrafts across the Southeast Asia network due to extensive and increasing border restrictions imposed by various countries in light of the global Covid-19 situation.
AirAsia revealed that for its short-haul flights in Malaysia, it will suspend all international and domestic flights from a limited time from March 28 to April 21.
As for AirAsia Philippines, AirAsia disclosed that it will temporarily suspend all domestic and international flights from March 20 to April 14 during the community quarantine period in Luzon.
For AirAsia Thailand, the low cost carrier said it will suspend all international flights for a short-term period from March 22 to April 25 while domestic operations will continue at reduced frequency.
For AirAsia Indonesia, AirAsia revealed that it will reduce international flight frequency while the frequency for domestic operations will also be reduced.
As for AirAsia India, the low cost carrier said it will temporarily suspend all flights to India from March 25 for 21 days following the directive from the Indian government to suspend all domestic flights.
For long-haul flights, AirAsia said AirAsia X will temporarily suspend most flights from March 28 to May 31.
The low cost carrier AirAsia X Thailand will temporarily suspend all flights from March 16 for a period of three months.
AirAsia emphasised it always places the safety and wellbeing of its guests and employees as its top priority.
“With governments imposing travel and movement restrictions including home quarantine orders, AirAsia is also playing its part in helping curb the spread of the virus in order to keep flying safe for everyone.
“We will continue to evaluate the situation closely and we are prepared to reinstate our services as soon as the situation improves, subject to the necessary regulatory approvals.
“All affected guests are being immediately notified by electronic mail and short messaging service (SMS).
“They have the option of converting their flight booking into a credit account that is valid for future redemption for 365 days or moving their flights for an unlimited number of times without any charges to another date prior to Oct 31.
“Guests can perform these changes via AirAsia virtual Allstar AVA on airasia.com or support.airasia.com.
“Guests are advised to stay tuned to Travel Advisories issued by AirAsia from time to time on airasia.com and social media platforms.
“We believe this temporary fleet hibernation is the right thing to do to ensure the well-being of our guests and employees, which will remain as the top priority of our business during this challenging time,” the low cost carrier added. — DayakDaily
