Mavcom today released the initial findings of its investigation on flight delays by airlines during the recent long holiday period.

The investigation involved the analysis of data on flight schedule disruptions submitted by airlines and airport operators.

Based on Mavcom’s initial findings, it said more than 6,000 domestic flights were operated by Malaysian carriers throughout the Hari Raya travelling period from April 29 to May 9, compared with over 8,000 domestic flights operated during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri travelling period in June 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The figures for the individual airlines were:

• AirAsia – 2,954 flights of which 13% or 368 flights experienced delays of more than one hour;
• Malaysia Airlines – 1,447 flights, with 3% or 44 flights delayed;
• MASwings – 656 flights, with 10% or 64 flights delayed;,
• Firefly – 680 flights, with 2% or 15 flights delayed;
• Batik Air (previously Malindo Air) – 555 flights with 1% or four flights delayed.

Mavcom said 119 flights were delayed beyond two hours for operational reasons including lack of standby aircraft, unscheduled night stops due to crew legality hours, and consequential late arrivals, among others.

Technical factors such as damage to aircraft, non-scheduled maintenance and lack of spares or maintenance equipment collectively contributed to delays of 41 flights delayed beyond two hours.

“Both operational and technical factors combined contributed to 96% or 160 flights of the total flight delays beyond two hours during the travelling period. The other factors were related to bad weather conditions,” it said.

Provision of meals

The commission is undertaking a further investigation on whether airlines provided necessary customer care for 160 flight delays beyond two hours.

Airlines are required to provide customers with 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.

Mavcom executive chairman 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 and not be expected to request for care from the airlines,” he said.

Saripuddin said airlines could be fined up to RM200,000 for the first offence, and 10 times the amount for subsequent offences.