Kuala Lumpur's budget passenger terminal is sinking, airline says
In latest blow to aviation industry, cracks are appearing and pools of water forming at new budget passenger terminal near Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur International Airport's new budget passenger terminal is sinking, with cracks appearing in the taxiway and water forming pools that planes must drive through.
The defects could cause flight delays, increase wear and tear on planes and pose potential safety risks, according to AirAsia Bhd., the new terminal's biggest user. Though take offs and landings weren't affected, the carrier had asked Malaysian authorities to fix the problems before passengers got hurt, Chief Executive Officer Aireen Omar said.
"The airport is still sinking," Aireen said. The operator, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd., "has done some partial resurfacing, but what the airport actually needs is a permanent solution."
"Since MH370, a lot of shortcomings have been found" in Malaysia's aviation infrastructure, said Shukor Yusof, of Singapore-based consultancy Endau Analytics.
"The authorities haven't done enough to address these shortcomings." The Transport Ministry has set up an independent audit committee, which will submit a report on ponding issues "in due course", the ministry said. Malaysia Airports, which has used its own funds to rectify the situation, "will be responsible for the findings and proposed solutions," the ministry said.
AirAsia initially refused to move when klia2 opened in May 2014, citing concerns over flight operations and security. The carrier gave in after the government said it would stop immigration and customs services at the old budget terminal.