Travellers and travel agents were caught off guard today when the ultra-low-cost carrier, MyAirline, made a sudden declaration of its immediate suspension of operations due to “significant financial pressures.”
In a statement, the airline expressed the difficulty of this decision but emphasised its necessity as it undergoes a restructuring and recapitalisation process involving its shareholders.
MyAirline has called upon affected passengers to reach out to its support team for assistance.
MyAirline has been in operation for only 10 months with eight aircraft operating out of Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2.
In a display of solidarity, AirAsia has stepped forward to support those inconvenienced by this disruption. The airline is extending a special offer, providing MyAirline passengers with confirmed flight bookings to and from destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang, Tawau, Kota Bharu, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu-Tawau, Don Mueng-Bangkok, and Suvarnabhumi-Bangkok with a 50 per cent discount on base fares. The offer is effective immediately and remains valid until November 30.
The sudden suspension has also left Malaysian travel agents in a state of disarray.
Adam Kamal, director, Suka Holiday, said he had two groups travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok from next week. He shared: “Our immediate priority is to get them seats on other airlines such as AirAsia and Batik Air. We will also negotiate with MyAirline for a refund for our affected clients.”
He criticised the airline for its perceived irresponsibility in failing to provide advance notice and refunds to customers prior to the suspension.
Sheikh Awadh Sheikh Abdullah, managing director of GotZ Travel and Tours, told TTG Asia that he, along with three staff, had booked a flight with MyAirline from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu for this afternoon, only to receive an email this morning notifying them of the flight’s cancellation.
They were able to quickly secure seats on AirAsia, but but at a higher fare compared to MyAirline seats.
Sheikh Awadh highlighted the fortunate position of working in a travel agency, allowing them to swiftly find alternative flights. “Others are not as lucky. This sudden suspension would have disrupted the plans of many travellers, who may also have booked travel packages and accommodation,” he emphasised.
