SYSTEMS are being gradually restored at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), but passengers are still being urged to arrive four hours early for check-ins over the next few days, Malaysia Airports said this evening.

It identified network failure as the cause of systems disruption at KLIA over the last two days, and said equipment have been replaced and systems are in the process of being restored.

“We have replaced the network equipment, which is currently being tested and closely monitored for stability.

“Since the replacement of the network equipment, we have seen positive progress in network stability.

“Critical systems at the KLIA main terminal are now mostly up and running,” Malaysia Airports chief executive officer Raja Azmi Raja Nazuddin said in a statement.

However, he advised outbound passengers to continue arriving at least four hours prior to departure in the next few days.

“We deeply regret the inconvenience that has been caused. While the situation is improving, we would still urge passengers to arrive at the terminal at least four hours prior to departure in the next few days.

“Passengers are also encouraged to continue using their respective airlines’ mobile apps or websites to check-in to avoid long queues at the airport.”

The disruption, which began on Wednesday night, has caused scores of flights to be cancelled.

It also affected the airport’s Wi-Fi, counter and baggage check-ins and flight information display boards. 

These functions have had to be conducted manually, while airport staff have resorted to writing flight times and numbers on whiteboards.

Raja Azmi said while systems were being restored, the airport would remain vigilant, cautioning travellers that “intermittent issues” might still be experienced.

“KLIA main terminal is still experiencing some delays, but the situation is improving due to measures that have been put in place.  

“Meanwhile, systems at KLIA’s second terminal, klia2, are generally not affected at present,” he added.

KLIA has managed over the last two days by utilising all its 38 aircraft remote bays and providing additional buses and ground-handling services to ferry passengers to and from the planes.

Malaysia Airports has also instructed other airports nationwide to extend their operating hours to accommodate delayed departing flights from KLIA.

The airport also deployed 1,000 additional staff to assist passengers and help with the manual sorting of baggage. – August 23, 2019.