KUCHING: An additional 291 flights will be available to meet demand and curb soaring airfares during the Chinese New Year festive period.
The increase applied for by airlines was approved by the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) to facilitate capacity between Jan 18-31.
“Routes with the highest number of extra flights for the season would be between routes to Sabah and Sarawak with 205 additional flights,” it said in a press release.
“The additional flights from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah comprise 50 flights to Kota Kinabalu, followed by 21 to Tawau, and two to Sandakan.
“Meanwhile, 52 additional flights from Peninsular Malaysia were approved to Kuching, followed by 41 to Sibu, 23 to Miri, and 16 to Bintulu.”
Mavcom added that this is on top of 1,253 regular scheduled flights between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, 1,594 between Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak as well as 3,261 within Peninsular Malaysia, operated by all carriers during this period.
Meanwhile, it has instructed all airlines to better manage flight disruptions with immediate effect and reminded airlines of their obligations toward consumers under the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code 2016 (MACPC).
“The requirements were issued as a measure by the Commission in anticipation of the increased flight capacity and passenger traffic during the Chinese New Year festive season, one of the nation’s peak travel periods.
“Moreover, the instructions urge airlines to immediately rectify any issues experienced by passengers following the recent flight disruptions,” it said.
“As such, the instructions aim to immediately address concerns regarding airlines’ management and handling of flight delays and cancellations, especially during important festive holidays when air travel is expected to increase.”
Among other requirements, Mavcom has instructed airlines to deploy dedicated Delay Handling Teams on ground for any flight delay of two hours or more.
