FLIGHTS were once again cancelled and others retimed in Sabah after another eruption at Mount Ruang in North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
AirAsia reportedly cancelled 21 flights from Sabah and Sarawak while Malaysia Airlines cancelled several flights to and from the two states.
“All affected guests have been notified and the airlines will offer provisions to assist them to make alternate travel arrangements.
“Guests who are travelling to and from the affected destinations are encouraged to check their registered email and mobile phones for cancellation notifications,” AirAsia said in a statement.
AirAsia also advised its passengers to check their latest flight status at airasia.com/flightstatus.
The airline said affected passengers would be offered a one-time flight change for free within 30 days from the original departure date on the same route without additional cost and subject to seat availability.
Among the Malaysia Airlines flights affected include to and from Sabah MH2710 (KUL-SDK), MH2711 (SDK-KUL), MH2668 (KUL-SDK) and MH2669 (SDK-KUL).
Cancelled flights to and from Sarawak were MH2594 (KUL-MYY), MH2593 (MYY-KUL), MH2574 (KUL-MYY), MH2575 (MYY-KUL), MH2716 (KUL-SBW) and MH2715 (SBW-KUL).
“Updates will be provided here periodically and communicated directly to affected customers.
“To minimise the inconvenience caused by the unforeseen cancellations, Malaysia Airlines is offering affected customers a one-time change to their travel itinerary free of charge, or they can opt for a full refund irrespective of their fare family,” the airline said in a statement.
The company added that affected customers who wish to change their flights or cancel their travel may do so via 'My Booking' on its website.
About two weeks ago, more than 20,000 passengers were affected following the suspension of all scheduled flights coming in and out of airports in Kota Kinabalu, Labuan, Tawau and Sandakan when Mount Ruang erupted the first time. - The Vibes, May 1, 2024.