A special travel advisory by Malaysia Airports to all passengers travelling during the upcoming long holidays
SEPANG – Malaysia Airports is enforcing special proactive measures to ensure a seamless and joyful experience for 3.5 million passengers travelling through KL International Airport (KLIA) during the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive period. A surge of 40% in passenger volume is forecasted during this time with the peak travelling period on 13 and 14 June 2018 for the first wave, followed by second wave between 21 and 24 June 2018. Airlines operating at both of its terminals, KLIA Main Terminal and klia2, are adding 248 more flights to cater to an additional 45,000 passengers flying to both international and domestic destinations during the long break that also coincides with the current school holidays.
According to managing director of Malaysia Airports Datuk Badlisham Ghazali, KLIA foresees heavy usage of its facilities during this super peak period that began from 8 June and will last for the next two weeks. Thus, several passenger-centric measures have been taken to ensure a smooth journey for everyone travelling at the airport. Badlisham said that on normal days, the airport handles around 180,000 passengers. As the airport is expecting an increase of the number to 252,000 passenger daily, all touchpoints will be put on high alert to ensure that the service level is at its optimum and congestions are minimised. The touchpoints include the kerbside, check-in counters (CIC), the security check points before boarding, trans-border immigration, terminal transfer system (TTS), trolleys and facilities, and baggage reclaim areas.
“To avoid late boarding and missed flights, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport as early as three hours before the flight departure time. In fact, it would be even better for passengers to plan their journey to the airport via our new mobile app, MYairports which is available on both Google Play Store for Android and App Store for iOS. The app features a real-time planner that helps passengers to navigate their way from home till the boarding gate via the quickest route just by simply plotting in the flight number. With the app, we are embracing a digital airport era and passengers will be delighted that wayfinding, amongst many other technology features, is now only a finger swipe away on their smartphones,” Badlisham added.
Among the measures that the airport is taking to beef up its services during these long holiday period include adding more resources and manpower on the ground to ease passenger movements. The kerbside, being the first touchpoint in the passenger journey, will see the placement of additional officers from the Royal Malaysia Police and Malaysia Airports to monitor the vehicles and prevent unauthorised parking to avoid traffic congestion. Drivers are also to be reminded of the 2-minute pick-up and drop-off time at the kerbside.
Passengers can also look forward to shorter lines and faster processing service at two other critical touchpoints - the Check-In Counters (CIC) and Security Check Points. In fact, at KLIA Main Terminal, Malaysia Airlines and Malindo Air have committed that all 67 of check-in counters will be fully manned round the clock during the festive season. On top of that, both airlines will add up to 22 more staff at the boarding gates to ease movements when departing. The Immigration authority will also be on standby to put additional manpower to cater to the surge in passengers.
Apart from being guided by the MYairports mobile app, passengers will also find wayfinding much easier with newly installed signage at both terminals that have proven to be more visible.
At the same time, our roving Airport CARE Ambassadors are ready to assist passengers and provide should the need arise. These ambassadors are easily recognisable through the sash that they are wearing.
For the convenience of our passengers, Malaysia Airports also provides affordable parking facilities such as the 30-minute free parking at the 5,000-bay Long Term Car Park (LTCP) to those who need to wait and pick up passengers. There is also the free shuttle bus service from the LTCP to the terminals that operate at 15-minute intervals for passengers and meeters-and-greeters.
On this note, here is a travel advisory for all passengers of Malaysia Airports during this busy season:
1) Please arrive at least four hours before your flight departure time.
2) Do utilise public transport as much as possible in getting to the airport. It only takes less than 30 minutes by ERL.
3) Please be mindful of traffic rules within the airport area. We have ample parking spaces at both terminals as well as a safe and convenient waiting area and 30-minute free parking facilities at the LTCP.
4) Do utilise the automated processes that are available whenever possible such as web check-in, self-check-in kiosks, self-baggage-drop counters, and immigration autogates.
5) If you are passing through KLIA Main Terminal, we encourage you to take advantage of the shuttle service instead of the Aerotrains as not only will it be a less crowded alternative, it is also fast, convenient and scenic. There will be 16 buses running continuously 24/7 between the contact pier and satellite building.
6) Keep a lookout for the signage on nearest available washrooms in the event that the one you visited is fully occupied or is undergoing cleaning. There are a total of 238 toilets and 55 surau at both terminals the convenience of passengers.
7) Should you require any assistance at the airport, please approach our CARE Ambassadors who can be easily recognised by their shoulder sash that says ‘Ask Me’.
In conjunction with the festive celebration, Malaysia Airports is also showcasing various cultural performances featuring Bintang 1950’s & 60’s to relive the era of legendary P. Ramlee and Saloma, as well as various other dance performances such as Moroccan, Joget and Malay traditional dance. Passengers can also try their hands at fun activities such as Wau Design, Wayang Kulit creation and Batik Painting prior to their flight.
To all passengers, Malaysia Airports wishes you Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir Batin and have a happy journey!