59 KLIA flights cancelled as Indonesia closes airspace over volcanic eruption

SEPANG: A total of 59 flights at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 were cancelled following the closure of Indonesian airspace due to a volcanic eruption.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) senior general manager Hasman Abd Muhimim said 6,279 passengers were affected by the cancellations.

He said almost all affected passengers had been assisted, either with hotel accommodation in the Klang Valley or alternative travel arrangements to destinations in Indonesia.

"Of that number, only 56 passengers are still at KLIA, and we continue to assist them so they can remain comfortable at the airport and receive attention from the airlines, ground handlers and airport operator," he said.

On flights scheduled for tomorrow, Hasman said MAHB had so far only received notifications of cancellations for today.

He said the situation would depend on developments regarding the airspace closure announced by the Indonesian aviation authorities.

"So far, the closure is only until 7pm today, and we are waiting for further notification on whether it will be extended into tomorrow.

"Passengers scheduled to fly tomorrow should contact their respective airlines for the latest information and to determine their next flight arrangements," he said.

Meanwhile, affected passenger Fintje Wondal said she and several family members had decided to wait for a replacement flight after their flight to Jakarta was cancelled.

"We are still postponing our flight until tomorrow. We will take a replacement flight tomorrow because we were told there were no flights today," she said.

Another passenger, Raya Sesan Firdaus, said she was still waiting for confirmation on whether her flight to Indonesia could proceed.

She said her group was in Malaysia for an educational tour after first visiting Singapore.

"My mother is a little worried, but I have reassured her that everything is fine here.

"The service here has been very good. The airport is also fine, everything is smooth and safe," she said.