Malaysia Airlines has been given approval by the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) to operate additional flights for the busy Lunar New Year period for 2023.
The flights approved are: seven additional Malaysia Airlines flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Kuching International Airport (KCH), nine additional flights from KUL airport to Sibu Airport (SBU) and one additional flight from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KBI) to KCH Airport.
Local media outlet MalayMail also reported that Firefly, the low-cost arm of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), has obtained three additional flights for the Penang to Kuching route.
Reminder to improve customer service
MAVCOM also reminded airline operators Malaysia to improve its customer service and enhance flight disruption management due to the anticipated rise in flight capacity during the Lunar New Year season.
In a statement sent to Malaysian carriers, MAVCOM reminded airlines to “take note of their obligations to their passengers under the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code (MACPC) and to also resolve the past issues faced by passengers during flight disruption.”
MAVCOM has also instructed airlines at all Malaysian airports to deploy teams handling delays for any flight that has been delayed for two hours or more.
Lunar / Chinese New Year travel season
The Chinese or Lunar New Year is considered to be the busiest time of the year to travel to Asia. Those who are based overseas often travel back to Asia for family reunions and festivities, and domestically, those who work in capital or bigger cities travel back to their hometowns.
The travel rush usually begins 15 days ahead of Lunar New Year’s Day and lasts for about 40 days (usually from mid-January to late February).
Lunar New Year’s Day in 2023 is on Sunday, January 22.