AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines Cancel Flights Due to Mount Ruang Eruption

Thousands of airline passengers bound for Sabah and Sarawak were left stranded at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on Tuesday, April 18, 2024, as AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines canceled flights due to the eruption of Mount Ruang in Indonesia. The volcanic eruption generated ash clouds that posed a significant risk to aircraft safety, prompting the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to issue a warning for the Kota Kinabalu Flight Information Region.

AirAsia canceled all flights to Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei from 10 am on April 18 until 8 am on April 19, affecting passengers with flights to Tawau, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Bintulu, Kuching, and Brunei. Malaysia Airlines also canceled 19 flights from KLIA to destinations in Sabah and Sarawak. Over 1,000 passengers were stranded at Kuching International Airport due to the cancellation or rescheduling of approximately 35 inbound and outbound flights.

Affected passengers, including Sobrie Iwan and Wan Mohammad Aziz, were advised to retain their tickets and await updates on the next available flights, which could take up to April 23. "I am supposed to fly to Kuala Lumpur today, but my flight has been canceled. The airline staff told me to wait for further updates, but I am not sure when I can fly out," said Sobrie Iwan, a passenger stranded at Kuching International Airport.

Why this matters: The disruption of flights due to the Mount Ruang eruption has left thousands of passengers stranded and uncertain about their travel plans. The situation highlights the vulnerability of air travel to natural disasters and the importance of effective communication and contingency plans by airlines to assist affected passengers.

The Sabah government is closely monitoring the situation and prioritizing the safety of the people. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew urged affected passengers, including tourists, to be patient as the situation was beyond their control. "We understand the inconvenience caused to passengers, but safety is our top priority. We are working closely with the airlines to ensure that passengers are kept informed and assisted," Liew said in a statement.

As of April 19, AirAsia has reinstated several flights to and from Sabah and Sarawak, while Malaysia Airlines is gradually resuming operations subject to weather conditions. However, certain flights remain canceled until further notice. Passengers are advised to check the latest flight status updates and stay informed through official airline channels.

Key Takeaways

• Thousands of passengers stranded at KLIA due to Mount Ruang eruption in Indonesia.
• AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines canceled flights to Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei.
• Over 1,000 passengers stranded at Kuching International Airport due to flight cancellations.
• Airlines advised affected passengers to retain tickets and await updates on next available flights.
• Airlines gradually resuming operations, but some flights remain canceled until further notice.