Tell us before slashing routes, Transport Ministry tells airlines

By Clara Chooi

March 13, 2012

AirAsia X announced yesterday that it would stop flights to and from New Zealand by the end of May.

KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 — The Transport Ministry today told local airlines to inform them of any route cancellations or additions to their services before enforcing the decision on travellers.

Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha added that apart from notifying the ministry, the carriers must ensure all matters must be resolved first, such as ticket sales, before any decision is implemented.

“Where they want to fly and how many times, additional destinations and routes cancellation, is a business decision of an airline. But each time they stop or add any routes, they have to inform us,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama Online today.

Ailing flag carrier Malaysia Airlines (MAS) recently put a stop to eight routes deemed unprofitable beginning January, including those from here to Surabaya, Johannesburg and Rome, as a part of its efforts to stem losses.

The Malaysian Insider reported last December plans by AirAsia X to stop its popular budget flights to London, Paris, Delhi and Mumbai due to mounting losses. The long-haul affiliate of AirAsia also announced yesterday that it would stop flights to and from New Zealand by the end of May.