KUALA LUMPUR – The suspension of MYAirline operations today has prompted rival low-cost carrier AirAsia to extend its support to affected passengers of MYAirline in an effort to ease their travel dilemma.
In a statement today, AirAsia offered affected MYAirline passengers a 50% discount on base fares exclusively for certain routes.
“Effective immediately, the special offer is applicable to all MYAirline passengers with confirmed flight bookings to and from Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang, Tawau, Kota Bharu, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu-Tawau, and Don Mueng-Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi-Bangkok from today until November 30.
“The 50% base fare is for a one-way fare, excluding airport tax, Mavcom fee, fuel surcharge, and other applicable fees. Other terms and conditions apply,” the low-cost carrier stated.
AirAsia further stated that affected passengers can present their confirmed MYAirline flight bookings at AirAsia sales counters at KL Sentral in Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 2) in Sepang, Langkawi International Airport, Penang International Airport, Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (Kota Bharu), Kuching International Airport, Tawau Airport, Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Don Mueng International Airport, and Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok to redeem this offer.
AirAsia Aviation Group chief executive officer Bo Lingam said the offer was made because it deeply empathises with all affected MYAirline passengers and their staff.
“We understand the stress and disruption this situation has caused and hope that this 50% discount will assist affected passengers in making new travel arrangements, making full use of our extensive flight network to all key destinations,” he said.
In view of the affected MYAirline staff, Bo also said that AirAsia will consider hiring eligible and qualified individuals who are willing to contribute their skills and expertise to their team.
“We encourage affected MYAirline staff to reach out to us and explore the possibilities of joining our Allstars family.
“AirAsia remains committed to providing essential support to all affected MYAirline passengers and employees in their time of need. For career options, visit AirAsia’s website,” he said.
In addition to AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air have also extended a helping hand to passengers affected by the flight suspensions.
Malaysia Airlines’ parent company, Malaysia Aviation Group, said it would reallocate passengers on its flights between Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Langkawi, and Bangkok.
Batik Air, on the other hand, is offering special fixed one-way fares on selected routes from Kuala Lumpur.
The fares include Penang at RM129, Langkawi (RM159), Kuching (RM199), as well as Bangkok (Don Mueang International Airport) and Kota Kinabalu at RM299, one-way.
Affected passengers are required to attach a copy of their MYAirline tickets and make bookings through its website.
Batik Air’s one-way special fares are available for travel up to November 30, and seats are subject to availability.
“With the challenges that passengers are currently facing, our aim is to assist passengers so that they can reach their destinations with ease.”
“We’re here to support the affected passengers so that they can reach us during this time,” said Batik Air and Lion Group’s group strategic director, Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy.
Additionally, national airport operator Malaysia Airports is also assisting affected passengers since the news broke this morning, guiding them at their respective counters.
Travellers are up in arms over low-cost carrier MYAirline’s sudden suspension of operations, claiming that the move is “inconvenient” as no prior warning was provided to passengers who had already purchased tickets with the airline.
The latest development comes after the low-cost carrier announced the suspension of its operations effective today, until further notice.
In a statement today, the fledgling company stated that it had come to this “extremely painful decision” due to significant financial pressures, which made it necessary to suspend operations pending the shareholder restructuring and recapitalisation of the airline. – October 12, 2023