PETALING JAYA: Malaysia-based airlines say they are adjusting their operations cautiously amid mounting cost pressures from volatile jet fuel prices and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East.
However, travellers have been assured that operations and staffing remain stable.
For AirAsia X, its group chief executive officer Bo Lingam acknowledged the industry continues to face substantial cost pressures stemming from higher global fuel prices and supply chain disruptions.
“Amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and supply chain disruptions, global jet fuel prices have surged, significantly impacting operating costs across the aviation industry,” he said in a statement to The Sunday Star.
“In response, we are optimising our network by reallocating capacity to stronger-performing routes and leveraging our Fly-Thru connectivity via Kuala Lumpur and other available hubs to capture demand more efficiently.”
Lingam said the airline continues to monitor developments closely and may implement temporary suspensions or cancellations where necessary to ensure long-term sustainability.
“We continue to closely monitor developments and actively assess our flight schedules based on evolving market conditions and demand patterns, with any necessary cancellations or temporary suspensions implemented carefully to support long-term network sustainability while minimising disruption to our guests,” he said.
He said affected passengers would be informed promptly and provided with service recovery options to manage their travel plans.
Batik Air chief executive officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy said the airline’s operations are gradually returning to normal levels.
“Batik Air would like to clarify that our operations are steadily returning to near-normal levels as demand continues to recover, and our network planning remains stable in line with current market conditions,” he said in a statement.
He also dismissed concerns over staffing disruptions within the airline.
“There are no disruptions on the staffing front and all salaries, allowances, as well as statutory payments continue to be made on time without any delay,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), which operates Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and Amal, said the group continuously reviews ticket pricing and fuel surcharges in response to prevailing market conditions.
“The group remains committed to balancing cost management while maintaining reliable and safe connectivity across its network,” it said in a statement.
The aviation sector has been facing renewed pressure in recent months as airlines worldwide contend with sharp fluctuations in jet fuel prices and longer flight routes caused by the avoidance of certain Middle Eastern airspace following regional conflicts.
