AirAsia suspends Ipoh-S'pore route, M'sia govt says it wasn't consulted & urges reconsideration

Malaysia carrier AirAsia suddenly suspended its Ipoh-Singapore flight route among others, which led to the state government to urge the airline to reconsider its decision.

The carrier announced on its website that it would suspend a number of routes, including one connecting the Malaysian state with Singapore.

The change is scheduled to take effect on Apr. 25.

In response, a Malaysian official said the state government was not consulted or informed prior to the announcement.

Loh Sze Yee, who chairs the Perak tourism, industry, investment, and corridor committee chairman also said the route has consistently received good demand, according to The Star.

"This termination contradicts the government’s efforts to boost air transportation in the state," he said in a Mar. 12 statement.

Loh also voiced concerns that the route's suspension could "negatively impact tourism, investment, and industry in Ipoh and Perak overall".

Reconsider

Loh said he hopes that the suspension is only a temporary approach, reported Bernama.

"Therefore, it is hoped that AirAsia will consider resuming flight operations on the Ipoh-Singapore route," he added.

He also pointed out that the government has always cooperated to facilitate the management of domestic and international flight operations.

For instance, the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh is currently being upgraded by the state and federal governments to "improve and enhance facilities to optimise flight services", he said.

Mothership has reached out to AirAsia for comment.

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