Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and Amal to reduce flights until December after string of aircraft issues

Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and Amal will cut flights until December to address issues that have resulted in a recent spate of disruptions.

There have been at least four incidents in August, including a Malaysia Airlines flight to Shanghai that was forced to turn back to Kuala Lumpur on Aug 20 due to a suspected cabin pressure issue.

A day before that, a Malaysia Airlines flight from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur was diverted to Alice Springs Airport in Australia due to a technical issue.

The Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), which owns the three airlines, announced on Saturday (Aug 24) that it will “temporarily reduce its network” until December while it looks into implementing any potential corrective measures.

“This is to ensure the long-term reliability of our fleet and robustness of our operations and enhance our ability to ensure our customers on Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and Amal services face minimal disruptions and have the best experience possible flying with us,” said Captain Izham Ismail, MAG’s group managing director.

Amal is the Haj and Umrah pilgrimage arm of Malaysia Airlines.

Captain Izham said the group has been taking steps to address supply chain constraints, manpower challenges and “other external factors as part of the continuing normalisation of global aviation operations post-pandemic”.

MAG has also been affected by the delayed deliveries of new aircraft this year, leading to fewer aircraft being made available for flights, he added. 

“We are working closely with our aircraft and engine manufacturers, and a wide range of suppliers to comprehensively address supply chain and technical issues,” he said.