Today Malaysia's AirAsia farewelled one of its special extra flights it is operating to meet the surging demand for the Chinese New Year festive season. The 100% full flight departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 12:10, bound for Kuching International Airport (KIA) in Sarawak.

A special send-off for the full flight

AirAsia Chinese New Year
Photo: AirAsia

The AirAsia flight was sent off from Kuala Lumpur by Malaysia's Minister of Transport, YB Anthony Loke, and Riad Asmat, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia. These special extra flights, which are at fixed low fares, are aimed at the Chinese New Year traffic and apply for ten routes between Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and East Malaysia. AirAsia is operating 68 special extra flights at fixed low fares, and they are so popular that 38 flights in the coming weeks are already at 100% load factors. The airline is also operating its regular schedule of 314 weekly flights during the Chinese New Year festive season.

At the airport today, the Transport Minister said that sending off excited guests to see their loved ones is indeed a wonderful way to welcome the Chinese New Year. He added:

"Another round of congratulations and applause are in order for the AirAsia team for its dedication towards making these flights a reality and for its unwavering support for the government's initiative to ensure fares are low and affordable during festive periods.

"In spite of the challenges faced in the last few years, AirAsia has proven itself to be a people's airline, putting the needs of its guests first as it gradually resumes its operations. I look forward to seeing more of such initiatives from AirAsia for the next festive seasons and implore other industry players to follow suit."

Malaysia's airlines are on notice

Batik Air Airbus A320
Photo: Kevin Atha | Shutterstock

Malaysia's aviation regulator, MAVCOM, has approved 291 additional flights during the peak dates of January 18th to 31st to cope with the New Year demand for air travel. These approvals were given to five airlines, AirAsia (134 flights), Malaysia Airlines (53), Batik Air (44), SKS Airways (44) and Firefly (16). MAVCOM has also instructed Malaysia's carriers about their obligations to provide reliable services and how to handle delays and disruptions.

As with other significant holiday periods worldwide, airlines and airports in Asia are imploring passengers to follow some basic guidelines to mitigate the crowding. AirAsia said guests traveling during the Chinese New Year period must get to the airport two hours before departure. The airline also urged patrons to check in online using the AirAsia Super App, which is available as early as 14 days before departure, and board with the e-Boarding Pass.

The airline is also stressing that each guest (except infants) is only allowed one piece of cabin baggage and one laptop bag, handbag or small bag onboard. The total permitted weight for the two pieces of unchecked baggage must not weigh more than seven kilograms (15.4 pounds) in total, and all guests are encouraged to pre-book sufficient baggage weight for more savings.

Find more news about Asian aviation here

Getting into the festive mood of the occasion, AirAsia Malaysia CEO Riad Asmat said:

"People are always at the heart of everything we do, and it is truly our mission to enable affordable connectivity for our guests, especially during this special time when many are yearning to 'Balik kampung' [going back to hometown] in time for reunions."

To all our readers celebrating the Lunar New Year, we at Simple Flying wish you a happy and prosperous Year of the Rabbit.

  • AirAsia Tile
    AirAsia
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    AK/AXM
    Airline Type:
    Low-Cost Carrier
    Year Founded:
    1993
    CEO:
    Tony Fernandes
    Country:
    Malaysia
    Hub(s):
    Kuala Lumpur International Airport
    Region:
    Asia