AIR tickets for domestic travel should be cheaper during festive seasons next year as local airlines have agreed to increase the number of flights, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said.

Loke said he has met with Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Malindo Air, and all agreed that increasing the number of flights for festive periods could result in lower fares for passengers.

This will apply to Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Gawai and Hari Kaamatan celebrations, he said.

“We noted that air ticket prices go up during these seasons

“So the three airlines will increase the number of flights seven days before each festival, and by 20% on all existing (domestic) routes,” Loke told reporters after a meeting at the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) in Kuala Lumpur.

“The airlines have also agreed to make available flights even after 10 or 11pm.

“We are working with the Air Traffic Control Centre and airports because some do not operate late at night,” he added.

Loke said ticket sales for Chinese New Year next year will start on October 1 and advised passengers to book their flights early.

The issue of high ticket prices has been raised in the Dewan Rakyat by several MPs, especially those from Sabah and Sarawak.

After becoming minister, Loke in May asked Mavcom to work on a mechanism to fix a ceiling price on air tickets during festive seasons. – September 4, 2018.