An AirAsia aircraft taking off. — DayakDaily.com file pic. // Photo: Pixabay

MIRI, Nov 14: AirAsia Berhad has decided to suspend its flight routes from Singapore to Miri and Sibu effective Feb 21, 2024.

Minister of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said this was conveyed in an email dated Nov 7 from the airline.

The airline attributed the suspension to low load factors, heavy losses and as part of their attempt to rationalise fleet operations as their fleet has been restricted due to global aircraft shortages.

“The email also stated that: We will ensure all affected pax will be moved to fly-thru flights to ensure that they still get to their respective destinations. All passengers will be reached out to, to be informed of this by the end of this week and be notified of the next course of action for their affected flights,” Lee said in a statement today.

Lee further said that he had directed his ministry to write to AirAsia Malaysia chief executive officer (CEO) Riad Asmat on Nov 8 to request the latter reconsider and continue to maintain the two routes, perhaps with a reduced flight frequency.

Currently, Airasia Berhad operates 4 times from Singapore to Miri and 3 times to Sibu weekly, with an average load capacity of 69 per cent and 67 per cent respectively.

To date, the AirAsia CEO has not responded. — DayakDaily