THE aerotrain service at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) has been temporarily suspended starting today due to safety reasons.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) managing director Iskandar Mizal Mahmood said the decision was made following an incident where an aerotrain broke down around 3pm at KLIA yesterday, affecting 114 passengers.

“Following the decision to suspend operations of the train until a period to be notified later, 18 shuttle buses will be provided for the convenience of passengers.

“The buses will operate around the clock to pick up and drop off passengers from the departure hall to the satellite terminal,” Iskandar Mizal, who apologised for the inconvenience caused by yesterday’s incident, said at a press conference in KLIA today.

He said in the incident, an aerotrain stopped suddenly on the tracks, and another aerotrain that was supposed to ferry stranded passengers also experienced technical problems, forcing 114 passengers to walk 400m to the satellite terminal.

He said yesterday’s incident was the second time passengers were forced to walk on the tracks due to a technical problem since operations began 25 years ago.

He said appropriate assistance, including accommodation and flight tickets, was given to 10 passengers who missed their flights after yesterday’s incident. 

Iskandar Mizal said service renewal works are expected to be completed within three years at a cost of RM700 million. – Bernama, March 2, 2023.