KUALA LUMPUR – Budget carrier AirAsia is currently operating less than half of its fleet of almost 100 aircraft available prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to disrupted flight schedules, said Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
The domestic trade and consumer affairs minister said this was among the four reasons the airline gave in response to recent complaints on delayed flights, especially during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive season.
The airline, he said, has 40 aircraft in operation, compared with the 95 it had prior to the pandemic.
Nanta added that in the event of delays, customers were entitled to change their flights free of charge or hold credits for a later time, or seek a refund, hotel accommodation, and food and beverages, as stated in Mavcom’s guidelines.
“If Rapid Rail can give one-way trip coupons for affected customers following the May 10 incident, I believe AirAsia can think of an appropriate quantum for their travellers.”
Nanta said the airline also cited regulatory and operational constraints, such as last-minute requests to cancel flights at certain regional airports and requirements for pre-departure RT-PCR tests in certain countries.
The ministry also said AirAsia explained that it had, on average, faced “common” issues with three to five of its planes in recent weeks, and needed time to rectify.
“There were also ‘bird strikes’ to the engines of the aircraft operating in Langkawi and Ipoh, as well as (there are) thunder strikes on the aircraft.”
The minister said this in a Facebook post in which he shared AirAsia’s response to the ministry on the complaints.
Earlier this week, Nanta said the ministry was investigating complaints of flight delays and rescheduling involving low-cost airline AirAsia, following a public outcry on social media.
He said he took note of the complaints and grievances voiced by consumers pertaining to the flight delays involving various domestic destinations.
He added that the initial investigation found that the delays began late last month and have persisted since.
The ministry also shared screenshots of social media posts complaining about last-minute flight rescheduling, including one by Tuaran MP and Upko president Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau.
Following AirAsia’s explanation today, Nanta told customers it is within their rights as consumers to lodge complaints.
However, he said complaints against AirAsia that were received by the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) were on a downward trend between January and April, adding that the numbers averaged at around 60 to 80 reports each month.
He also said AirAsia said that 90% of the complaints it received and those sent to Mavcom have been resolved. – The Vibes, May 11, 2022
