KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Aviation Commission's (Mavcom) investigation into flight delays during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri travel period has revealed nearly 500 flights were delayed for over one hour while 119 flights were delayed beyond two hours.
In a statement on Monday (May 30), Mavcom said their investigation involved the analysis of data on flight schedule disruptions submitted by airlines and airport operators.
"Based on our initial findings, more than 6,000 domestic flights were operated by Malaysian carriers throughout the Hari Raya Aidilfitri travelling period from 29 April to 9 May 2022, compared to 8,000 domestic flights operated during the same travelling period in June 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Of the total flights operated during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri travelling period in 2022, 8% or 495 flights recorded delays beyond one hour," it said adding that that AirAsia operated a total of 2,954 flights, out of which, 13% (368 flights) experienced delays of more than one hour.
It added that this was followed by Malaysia Airlines which operated 1,447 flights, with 3% (44 flights) delayed.
"In addition, MASwings operated 656 flights, with 10% (64 flights) delayed, while Firefly operated 680 flights, with 2% (15 flights) delayed.
"Whereas Batik Air (previously known as Malindo Air) operated 555 flights with 1% (four flights) delayed," it said.
As for the flight delays beyond two hours, Mavcom's initial analysis revealed that 71% (119 flights) were delayed due to operational factors including lack of standby aircraft, unscheduled night stops due to crew legality hours, and consequential late arrivals, among others.
"This was followed by technical factors such as damage to aircraft, non-scheduled maintenance, and lack of spares or maintenance equipment, which collectively contributed to 25% (41 flights) delayed beyond two hours.
"Both operational and technical factors combined contributed to 96% (160 flights) of the total flight delays beyond two hours during the travelling period," it said, adding that the other factors were related to bad weather conditions.
The Commission said it was undertaking a further investigation on the provision of care for 160 flight delays beyond two hours to ascertain if the necessary care as stipulated under the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code (MACPC) were provided to consumers.
"Consumers affected by flight delays due to operational and technical factors require the provision of meals, telephone calls, and internet access for delays of two hours or more, as well as accommodation, and transport, if a stay becomes necessary, for delays of five hours or more," it said.
Mavcom executive chairman Datuk Seri Saripuddin Kasim said the MACPC was put in place to ensure that the rights of air travel consumers are protected, and airlines must abide by the law.
"Consumers should be automatically offered care as per the MACPC and not be expected to request for care from the airlines.
"The Commission is currently validating the justifications provided by relevant airlines regarding the provision of care during flight delays within the period under review.
"Mavcom will not hesitate to exercise its powers if the justifications provided do not fulfil the requirements of the MACPC," he said adding that depending on the nature and extent of any non-compliance, airlines may be imposed a financial penalty of up to RM200,000 for the first offence, and 10 times the fine of its previous offence for a second or subsequent non-compliance of the MACPC.
He also said that as an economic and commercial regulator for the aviation industry, it was their duty to ensure that an objective, in-depth investigation was carried out before any action was undertaken by the Commission.
"In line with our mandate, Mavcom aims to support a commercially viable and resilient civil aviation industry, whilst empowering consumers to protect their rights as air travel consumers.
"The Commission also urges all airlines to play a role in educating consumers on their air travel rights as per paragraph 19 of the MACPC," he said.
