THE Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) has suspended the air service licence (ASL) of MYAirline Sdn Bhd effective immediately. 

Mavcom said the decision was made following MYAirline’s failure to comply with its ASL conditions and its sudden suspension of operations on October 12 this year.

Mavcom said in a statement it found the airline’s representations unsatisfactory. 

“The commission issued a show cause letter on October 13, ordering MYAirline to provide its written representation within 14 days,” Mavcom chairman Saripuddin Kasim said in a statement.

“The show cause letter highlighted MYAirline’s failure to comply with its ASL conditions and sudden suspension of operations.

“Mavcom received MYAirline’s written representation on October 27. After reviewing it, Mavcom has decided to suspend its ASL as the representations are not satisfactory.

“Although we’ve contemplated the revocation, the potential implication could result in halting efforts to refund to affected passengers.”

He said Mavcom decided to safeguard the interests of passengers and employees affected by MYAirline’s suspension of operations, as well as taking into account the challenges faced by the aviation industry post-COVID-19 pandemic.

The commission also said MYAirline was still liable to refund affected passengers as per the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code 2016, even though its ASL has been suspended.

It added an estimated 117,000 passengers were affected by MYAirline’s suspension of operations, with a total value of over RM22 million in forward sales for scheduled flights from October 12, 2023 to March 31, 2024. 

“Mavcom will continue to engage with Bank Negara Malaysia in finding possible avenues of recourse for affected passengers to obtain refunds,” said Saripuddin. – November 1, 2023.