THE shuttle buses serving the main and satellite terminals at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) will operate round the clock as a measure to overcome passenger congestion.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the step is taken with the aim to reduce dependence on aerotrains with travel time between the two buildings taking four minutes.

He said only one set of aerotrain is currently operating. The second set is facing technical problems.

“The management of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has decided to embark on a project to upgrade the system and purchase a new set of aerotrain, but the project will only be completed and operational within 24 months,” he said in a post on Facebook today.

Loke, who was on a working visit to KLIA yesterday morning, said more long buses will also be added by March for passenger comfort and to ease congestion as well.

He added that all MAHB staff and employees at retail outlets in the satellite terminal are only able ride on the shuttle bus and not the aerotrain, except for flight crew.

In addition, more wide-body aircraft such as the A350 involving international flights will be allowed to park in the main terminal, subject to bay availability.

Loke said all domestic flights will operate from the main terminal to help to reduce usage of the aerotrain as passengers can walk to the immigration and baggage claim counters located in the same building.

Only transit passengers need to take the aerotrain or bus to the satellite terminal.

In the meantime, more staff will be stationed at the checkpoints to manage movement and help passengers who require assistance.

“I do not deny that we are facing operational problems at KLIA, especially where aerotrains are concerned, but all responsible parties must have the courage to face and manage these problems,” he said.

Loke added that he was confident in the MAHB management’s commitment to improving the quality of services at KLIA and at its other airports. – Bernama, January 7, 2023.