Tourism industry players say the situation has emerged during the peak Hari Raya travel season, when many Malaysians embark on long-haul holidays.
Apple Travel Group managing director Datuk Seri Koh Yock Heng said some Malaysian tour groups had already made last-minute adjustments to their travel arrangements due to airline disruptions.
He cited a group travelling in Spain and Portugal that had to extend their stay in Barcelona after Emirates flights were suspended.
“They stayed four extra nights in Barcelona before purchasing new tickets to fly from Barcelona to London and eventually return to Kuala Lumpur on Malaysia Airlines,” he said when contacted.
In another case, a tour group currently travelling in Russia had to reroute their journey home via China after flights through affected airspace were suspended.
Koh said tour operators were closely monitoring developments and making early arrangements to ensure travellers were not stranded in transit hubs such as Dubai or Doha.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Nigel Wong said travel agents have been helping affected travellers by securing seats on alternative flights and assisting with emergency arrangements.
Because travel agencies have access to airline reservation systems, they are often able to help customers find available seats on other flights when disruptions occur, he said.
“In some cases, agents also assist travellers with accommodation, transportation and other logistics if they are stranded,” he added.
Wong said while some travellers had cancelled trips following airline suspensions, most cancellations were from free independent travellers.
Many travellers, he said, were adopting a “wait-and-see” approach or redirecting their trips to other destinations rather than cancelling their holidays.
“The intent to travel is still very strong. Travellers may simply redirect their plans or postpone their trips,” he said.
With MATTA Fair and similar exhibitions approaching, he said the situation could influence holiday planning, although overall demand for travel remains high.
“Malaysians planning overseas trips should ensure they have adequate travel insurance and use licensed travel agents,” he said.
Malaysian Tourism Federation president Dr Sri Ganesh Michiel said tour operators are closely monitoring developments and maintaining communication with airlines, ground partners and Malaysian diplomatic missions.
Where necessary, operators are assisting travellers with flight rebookings, rerouting through alternative hubs and adjusting itineraries to minimise disruption, he said.
“Many operators are also providing on-ground assistance for accommodation and logistics where delays occur,” he said.
Sri Ganesh said there has been some cautious sentiment among travellers, particularly for routes transiting through the Middle East.
“However, the overall impact on travel demand remains moderate at this stage as many airlines have begun restoring limited operations and rerouting flights through safer corridors,” he said.
He added that while some travellers are adopting a cautious approach, Malaysians remain keen to travel during festive seasons, with many opting for flexible bookings or alternative destinations.
