KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) should hold AirAsia accountable over the carrier’s frequent delays and rescheduling of domestic flights, said a federal lawmaker.
Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii said the “excuses” given by AirAsia are unacceptable as the delays have caused public inconvenience and economic loss as well as violated consumer rights.
“Mavcom must be proactive in taking action as this problem has been going on since April.”
He added that the airline should have anticipated the long queues at aircraft maintenance facilities and not open those tickets for sale.
“If they (AirAsia) know they cannot meet demand, they should not have allowed the tickets to be sold and caused so much inconvenience, delay, and even economic loss to the public.
“In my view, for consumers, it can be interpreted as a form of ‘misrepresentation’ if the public purchases tickets for flights at a certain time that are later rescheduled,” he said in a statement.
He said he received complaints that customers would receive notifications of delays a few hours after booking a flight scheduled two weeks later.
He added that AirAsia’s changing schedules would affect connecting flights with other airlines.
“There is no need for lengthy investigation, or even lengthy research into the issue as flight records and data are evidence of constant delays and rescheduling.”
Yesterday, AirAsia Malaysia chief executive officer Riad Asmat extended the company’s apologies to customers for any inconveniences caused by flight disruptions.
Noting that the airline had received a significant peak in the number of passengers during the Raya period, he assured that the airline is committed to providing the best in terms of safe, affordable, and trusted air travel.
Besides that, the Transport Ministry has ordered airlines to better monitor technical issues relating to flight services and improve communication strategies with passengers.
The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry announced that it has contacted AirAsia management and is expecting feedback on consumer issues, including those related to flight delays and rescheduling, within 24 hours. – The Vibes, May 11, 2022
