Wee urges local carriers to increase low-cost domestic flights during festive seasons

 

A general view of passengers checking-in at the KLIA2. - NSTP file pic

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong today called for local carriers to provide additional flights with cheap return airfares between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak in the upcoming festive seasons.

He said a few months ago, the Malaysian Aviation Commission and the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia had met and discussed with local airlines to mount additional flights past midnight. Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd had also been recommended to extend its operations, which it agreed to in principle.

"Very soon, we will be celebrating Chinese New Year and after that, Hari Raya Aidilfitri. We hope that Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, Batik Air and the new local airline, MyAirline -- which began operations this month -- can implement these proposals and offer cheap airfares during festive seasons.

"Adding capacity and the number of flights during peak seasons are also effective steps to overcome congestion and reduce the airfares.

"This measure has been much anticipated, especially by air passengers who wish to return to their hometowns for happy occasions with their families and loved ones," he said in a Facebook post.

Wee added he was confident that this measure can be executed, especially with the new Kuala Lumpur Air Traffic Control Complex which will increase the movement of flights at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and KLIA2 to 108 an hour with the simultaneous use of three lanes compared with 84 movements an hour on two lanes previously. --Bernama