Tag Archives: delays

Malaysia Aviation Group cuts flight capacity amid supply & technical issues

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), which operates Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, and Amal by Malaysia Airlines, announced it will be cutting flights until the end of 2024 to address ongoing supply chain problems, manpower shortages, and technical issues. This decision follows multiple disruptions last week, including emergency landings and flight returns due to engine problems.

Izham Ismail, MD, MAG, stated that the company is taking immediate steps to address the root causes of these operational difficulties. The group has also been impacted by delayed deliveries of new aircraft this year, leading to fewer available planes than planned. MAG is working closely with aircraft and engine manufacturers, as well as other suppliers, to resolve these issues.

The flight cuts are intended to ensure the long-term reliability of MAG’s fleet and operational robustness. The company emphasized that these measures are temporary and necessary for corrective actions.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke revealed that the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) recently conducted an audit of MAG to understand the reasons behind the recent spate of delays and cancellations. The findings will be presented to the Cabinet this week. Loke expressed confidence in MAG’s professionalism and assured that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure passenger safety and smooth operations.

 

 

 

 

Scindia unveils six-point plan to tackle fog-related disruptions; war rooms to be set-up at airports

In a proactive move, Union Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced a comprehensive six-point action plan on Tuesday to address the challenges posed by fog-induced disruptions affecting both domestic and international flight operations.

These disruptions have led to widespread delays and cancellations of flights, causing inconvenience to passengers. Minister Scindia shared the details of the new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued to airlines, aiming to alleviate passenger inconvenience during adverse weather conditions.

As part of the action plan, Scindia highlighted that the Centre would now receive daily reports from all six metro airports, ensuring better oversight. Additionally, there will be a focus on the implementation of directives from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

To enhance immediate response capabilities, he announced the establishment of dedicated “war rooms” by airports and airline operators at all six metro locations. These war rooms will be tasked with addressing issues related to passenger inconvenience promptly.

He also assured the deployment of sufficient manpower from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) round-the-clock to ensure security at airports. Notably, he emphasized that Runway 29L at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport has been upgraded to CAT III operational status, enabling it to handle take-offs and departures even in dense fog scenarios. Additionally, Runway 10/28, also with CAT III status, is slated to become operational soon. This particular runway, the oldest at the airport, underwent closure last year for maintenance following the G20 Summit in Delhi.

Acknowledging recent passenger frustrations due to communication issues and schedule delays caused by adverse weather conditions, Scindia urged passengers to exercise patience. He emphasized that the decision to suspend flight operations at Delhi airport was made with paramount consideration for passenger safety.

He had previously stated that SOPs, directed at improving communication and passenger facilitation, would soon be issued to all airlines. He expressed his earnest request for understanding during this challenging period.

Govt mandates airlines to issue full refund & compensation for cancellation of flight: MoCA

An airline has to facilitate affected passengers due to cancellation & delay in flight in accordance with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) Section 3, Series M, Part IV titled as “Facilities to be provided to passengers by airlines due to denied boarding, cancellation of flights and delays in flights”.

In a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Gen. (Dr) V. K. Singh (Retd) said that the facilities to be offered to the affected passengers in case of flight disruption are already available on public domain in form of Passenger Charter published on Ministry’s website, CARS on DGCA website & on respective airline website. Adequate provisions to safeguard the interests of passengers are already in place.

Under the provisions of said CAR, the airline has to provide following:
I. In case of cancellation, the airlines shall either provide alternate flight or provide compensation in addition to the full refund of air ticket. Additionally, the airline shall provide meals and refreshments to the passengers who have already reported for their original flight at the airport while waiting for the alternate flight.

II. In case of delay in flight, the airline is required to provide meals and refreshments, an alternate flight/full refund of ticket to the passenger or hotel accommodation (including transfers) depending on the total flight delay.
Airline shall not be obliged to compensate in cases where the cancellation & delay is caused by a force majeure event i.e. extraordinary circumstance(s) beyond the control of the airline.