MALINDO Air will temporarily suspend all international flights from March 18 to 31 as it anticipates reduced capacity due to the movement control order.

The carrier said it will cut its flying capacity to all international destinations and monitor the situation in view of the order,  which will bar Malaysians from leaving the country and place restrictions on the entry of all tourists and foreign visitors into the country.

Indian authorities have also barred all Malaysian carriers until the end of the month, according to the airline.

However, Malindo Air will continue to provide domestic flights between Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu; Kuala Lumpur and Kuching; Kuala Lumpur and Penang; and Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi.

“Although we are an essential services provider, we fully support the government’s move to restrict movement of people to contain the pandemic.

“The drastic cuts to our regular flying schedules are regrettably unavoidable,” the airline’s CEO Mushafiz Mustafa Bakri said in a statement.

Passengers who have booked their flight tickets between March 18 and 31 will be given an option to move their travel date within 12 months at no cost, subject to availability.

National carrier Malaysia Airlines said in a travel advisory that domestic flights will only be operated between airports on the peninsula, with no crossings to Sabah or Sarawak.

However, its rural air service arm, MasWings will maintain operations in East Malaysia.

As of midnight tonight, Malaysians are not allowed to leave the country, with those abroad allowed to return, subject to medical screenings upon arrival and self-quarantine for 14 days, according to the movement control order issued by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday.

Foreigners are allowed to leave Malaysia but not allowed to enter.

“Malaysia Airlines will continue to operate to facilitate essential travel but the flight schedule is subject to change,” the airline said.

“Guests with bookings for travel within the order period but wish to travel immediately, may proceed to the airport for immediate re-booking subject to availability.”

Malaysia Airlines will also allow guests to change their bookings to open ticket status, subject to policy.

Meanwhile, budget carrier AirAsia said flights to domestic and international destinations will remain operational but will be subject to further review, in strict compliance with the order.

“We continue to monitor the situation closely and adhere strictly to all advice by all governments as well as local and international health organisations.

“AirAsia has and will continue to quickly make adjustments as needed, in response to government travel directives,” said Bo Lingam President (Airlines) of AirAsia Group. – March 17, 2020.