Turbulence on social media over MYAirline's sudden suspension of flights

PETALING JAYA: Air travellers are angry and frustrated after low-cost carrier MYAirline announced the suspension of its operations with effect from Thursday (Oct 12).

Social media user Hajar Rasdi said she had just bought a ticket from the airline on Wednesday (Oct 11) night for a trip in December.

"Wei, this is not funny. I just bought a ticket yesterday night for Dec, all three flights are with MYAirline," she said on social media platform X Thursday.

She said the flight timing was suitable for her and the price was affordable.

ALSO READ: MYAirline suspends operations, says due to 'significant financial pressures'

"But just because I wanted to save a couple of hundred ringgit, now I have lost RM1,700," she shared.

Another social media user known as @ynrzk_ asked why MYAirline did not inform its customers much earlier.

"If they know something like this will happen, they should just refund us.

"We need our money back so we can buy another flight ticket," she said.

Puteri Balqiis also hit out at the airline for not notifying its customers earlier.

ALSO READ: Mavcom activates complaints channels for MYAirline customers

"I am already at KLIA and was waiting to check in my baggage at 7.30am.

"I waited from 4am until 5.40am but I cannot even see one staff member at their counters.

"All empty, all the passengers are waiting like fools," she wrote, adding that the airline should issue immediate refunds as many customers have urgent business requiring them to travel.

Another social media user, @saestraa, said her sister was also left in the lurch.

"She slept at the airport last night with her husband. At least the airline (should have given) a one-day notice to everyone," she said.

ALSO READ: Batik Air offers fixed fares to affected MYAirline passengers

Following the airline's announcement, the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) said it had set up a dedicated hotline and channels to help those affected by the airline's suspension of operations.

It said MYAirline was liable to refund consumers whose flights were affected.

It also said it was investigating the airline over claims of unpaid statutory dues to its employees, among other issues.