Newsroom / News Releases / MAVCOM Ensures Smooth Flying for Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebrations with Surprise Airport Inspections

KUALA LUMPUR, 19 April 2023 – As Malaysians prepare for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) conducted surprise airport inspections of KL International Airport, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 as well as the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang Airport), to assess the readiness of airlines and airports in anticipation of the increase in passenger traffic during the upcoming festive travel period.

The Commission began the inspections on 17 April 2023 and will continue its inspections throughout the Hari Raya Aidilfitri travelling period. MAVCOM’s inspection team includes its Senior Management team and personnel who monitor airline and airport performance and compliance to ensure that passengers are handled efficiently and effectively during this super-peak travelling period.

To ensure smooth operations, MAVCOM in a letter issued to all Malaysian carriers and airport operators on 14 April 2023, has reminded industry players to consistently ensure operational readiness and prevent any disruption in consumers’ journey. In its letter, MAVCOM prompted airlines to adhere to their published flight schedules and approved slots. Meanwhile, airport operators were reminded to adhere to the set service level standards.

During his site visit, MAVCOM’s Executive Chairman, Datuk Seri Hj. Saripuddin Hj. Kasim, said, “Based on the number of flights approved by MAVCOM, close to 700,000 passengers are expected to travel during this Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive period. In line with this, MAVCOM’s top priority is to ensure that passengers are able to travel smoothly and comfortably during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, therefore, these site inspections are highly necessary. By ensuring the convenience of travellers, we are able to play a small part in bringing Malaysians together and spreading joy and happiness during this special time of year. Our surprise inspection of Terminal 1 and 2 as well as Subang Airport is aimed at identifying areas of improvement, and we are working closely with the airport operator and airlines to address any issues that arose. Moreover, as the economic regulator, we understand the importance of aviation to the economy and society, and we will continue to work closely with industry players to ensure that aviation remains a key driver of growth and development in Malaysia.”

He added, “From our checks and review, the Commission is pleased to report that the level of preparedness for both airlines and airport operators at all passenger touchpoints is satisfactory in anticipation of the increase in passenger traffic. Nevertheless, MAVCOM will continue to conduct its inspections and engage airlines as well as airport operators to ensure that this level of service persists throughout the Hari Raya travelling period. Our team will also conduct periodic reviews during non-peak travelling seasons.”

MAVCOM highly encourages consumers to register their complaint with the airline or airport operator should a flight disruption occur. If the response provided by the airline or airport operator is unsatisfactory, or if the issues remain unresolved within 30 days, please escalate those complaints to MAVCOM together with the relevant documentation through its consumer sub-brand’s website, FlySmart, at www.flysmart.my, or the FlySmart mobile app which can be downloaded for free via the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Consumers may also contact MAVCOM’s consumer hotline at 1800-18-6966 for calls within Malaysia or +603-7651 2777 for calls outside of Malaysia. All of MAVCOM’s consumer channels are ready to receive and assist consumers with their complaints.

Since early March, MAVCOM and the relevant authorities have encouraged airlines to offer reasonable airfares and have approved all additional capacity requested by airlines, including offering fixed fares to major destinations in Malaysia. MAVCOM approved 527 additional flights for the period 15 April to 6 May 2023 from 6 airlines, particularly to meet the high demand for flights between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak. This was on top of the 5,617 initial flights scheduled to operate within Peninsular Malaysia, 2,149 flights between Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak, and 2,033 flights between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah. MAVCOM has been closely monitoring this development and working with airlines and airports to ensure that the increased passenger traffic during this festival period does not disrupt their travel plans.