MYAirline's licence to be suspended temporarily, says Loke

KUALA LUMPUR: The license of low-cost carrier MYAirline Sdn Bhd will be suspended temporarily, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) is expected to announce the matter later on Monday (Oct 16), he said.

"The company still exists, it is suspending operations while looking for investors.

"It's a commercial issue but from the side of the authorities, we will be suspending their license temporarily," he told reporters after an event at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) here on Monday (Oct 16).

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MYAirline recently had its air operator’s certificate (AOC) extended by the CAAM, allowing it to operate scheduled commercial flights for another two years.

The AOC expired on Sept 30 while its air service licence (ASL) from the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) will expire on Nov 14, 2023.

Loke also said that MyAirline has been reminded that it still bears a responsibility for affected passengers and staff.

"What is most important right now is that we want to ensure that the rights to consumers are defended and they have the right to refunds, which is something very important that we want to ensure," he said.

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"The welfare of MyAirline staff is also important, and must be looked after," added Loke.

Loke then said that MyAirline is expected to hold a press conference on Monday (Oct 16) and said that the management has to come forward to give an explanation and guarantees to their passengers and staff.

A motion will also be debated in the Parliament special chambers on Monday (Oct 16) afternoon on MyAirline, with Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibullah taking on questions on the issue as Loke is scheduled to travel overseas for official matters.

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MyAirline abruptly suspended operations on Oct 12, citing financial issues, with Loke previously saying that the airline had not notified his ministry or the Mavcom about its decision.

He also previously said that about 125,000 passengers, with tickets worth RM20mil, have been affected by MYAirline’s sudden suspension of operations.