OPERATION AT KLIA T1 UNDER CONTROL, MAJORITY OF FLIGHTS TO ASIAN DESTINATIONS

SEPANG, March 2 (Bernama) -- With the conflict in the Middle East entering the third day, thousands of flights were cancelled worldwide while at Kuala Lumpur Airport Terminal 1 (KLIA T1), passenger management still appears to be under control and calm.

A Bernama survey at KLIA T1 as of 12 noon today found that the majority of flights were to countries in Asia such as Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang and Hanoi (Vietnam), Denpasar and Jakarta (Indonesia), Shenzhen, Chongqing and Guangzhou (China) and Nepal.

The arrivals dashboard also showed incoming flights from Phuket (Thailand), Lombok, Jakarta and Surabaya (Indonesia), Manila (Philippines) and Danang (Vietnam) and there were no selected flights to and from Middle Eastern destinations.

Passenger traffic was also found to be less congested compared to a normal day which usually sees a significant increase towards noon.

The survey also found that no passengers were stranded at the terminal with airport staff continuing their duties as usual, thus reflecting efficient and orderly operational management.

In addition, two Emirates aircraft were found still in the airport parking area without any movement.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) yesterday confirmed that 26 flights had been cancelled, involving 13 departures and 13 arrivals, on selected services to and from affected Middle Eastern destinations, as well as several long-haul routes that required airspace adjustments.

MAHB also informed that the situation is still uncertain and subject to airspace safety assessments and airlines, with the possibility of flight schedule adjustments.

Passengers transiting or travelling through the affected areas are advised to check flight status directly with the airline before going to the airport, for the latest information.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) yesterday announced that the closure of airspace in several parts of the Middle East is likely to affect the operations of several international flight services.

According to a statement by CAAM, airlines operating to and from the affected region may face delays, rescheduling, rerouting or cancellations due to ever-changing airspace restrictions and operational considerations.

The United States (US) and Israel launched a series of attacks on targets in Iran on Saturday, including Tehran.

Iran has carried out retaliatory missile strikes on Israeli territory as well as US military facilities in the Middle East.

Thousands of flights in the Middle East have been cancelled, while airspace in the region has also been closed.

Major airlines including Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Saudia and several Abu Dhabi-based airlines have postponed or cancelled several flights since Saturday.

-- BERNAMA