KUCHING: Disappointment, anger and frustration. Those are some of the words expressed by passengers of MYAirline upon receiving the sudden announcement early today (Oct 12) that it has ceased its operations until further notice.
Many of these passengers had important travel plans. An observation by New Sarawak Tribune at Kuching International Airport found long queues at two AirAsia counters, with passengers waiting to buy new tickets as AirAsia is offering a 50 per cent discount on base fares to MYAirline passengers.
New Sarawak Tribune spoke to some of the passengers who shared their reactions to the MYAirline announcement.
One passenger, Herny, 42, said she was supposed to send her child this week to Kuala Lumpur for university registration.
“When I found out, I immediately rush to the airport and head to their office, and I was shocked to see that their office was closed.
“Because of this, I have to spend up to RM2,000 for new flight tickets from Malaysia Airlines, because I am bringing other family members as well, and that’s just for departure tickets.
“When I found out that AirAsia is offering a 50 per cent discount, I was a bit relieved, because who knows when I can get my refund from MYAirline,” said Herny
Another passenger, Jenedy Joseph, 30, was supposed to fly on Friday (Oct 13) for his convocation when he found out about the news.
“I woke up and received the email from MYAirline that it has ceased its operations, and I thought they were joking, or just a prank.
“When I realised it was true, I was stunned, thinking of what my next step is.
“I was so disappointed and angry, because they could have just announced it way earlier, like a week or so. So that we could at least prepare to book our tickets with other airlines,” said Jenedy.
Jenedy stated that he had tried to contact the MYAirline customer service, but to no avail.
“I believe it is because they had quite a lot of people contacting them so the line was busy.
“And I will not expect to receive my refund anytime soon,” he lamented.
Nuraisah Moi Abdullah, 47, revealed that that she had booked her ticket for next week’s flight a month prior to the announcement.
“I was supposed to fly to Kuala Lumpur for a meeting, and when I found out about the announcement, I immediately book my flight tickets with AirAsia.
“Of course I am angry and frustrated. They cannot just do this to their customers out of the blue.
“A lot of us are affected. I would not mind if I’m flying to someplace for a holiday, but I have business to attend to. I am hoping they can fix any problem they have because I heard MYAirline is a great airline, and I have seen nothing but great reviews from those who have flown with it so far,” said Nuraisah.
MYAirline’s sudden suspension of its operations has affected thousand of travellers who bought its tickets for local and international destinations.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd said 10,000 passengers have been affected, along with a total of 39 domestic flights, as well as one international route to Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok, Thailand.
