AirAsia Malaysia, a prominent low-cost airline under the Capital A umbrella, has announced that it will cease ticket sales and operations for flights between Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (commonly known as Subang Airport) and two key East Malaysian destinations—Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) and Kuching International Airport (KIA)—effective April 7, 2025. This decision marks a significant shift in the airline’s operational strategy, as it plans to relocate these domestic routes to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (KLIA T2). The move comes less than a year after AirAsia resumed jet operations at Subang Airport on August 30, 2024, signaling a rapid reevaluation of its network priorities.
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The airline’s return to Subang last year was a nostalgic homecoming, as it was the carrier’s original base when it launched as a low-cost operator in 2001. With just two Boeing 737-300 aircraft at the time, AirAsia operated from Subang before shifting to KLIA in 2002 due to government restrictions limiting Subang to turboprop services. The reinstatement of jet operations at Subang in 2024, including the routes to Kota Kinabalu and Kuching, was initially celebrated as a strategic expansion, complementing its primary hub at KLIA T2. AirAsia deployed two aircraft to service these routes, offering 14 weekly flights and promotional fares starting at RM88 to Kuching and RM99 to Kota Kinabalu. The initiative aimed to leverage Subang’s proximity to Kuala Lumpur’s city center, providing convenience for travelers and supporting the government’s vision to revitalize the airport as a regional aviation hub.
However, the decision to halt these Subang-based services by April 7, 2025, reflects a pragmatic response to operational and market dynamics. AirAsia has cited a significant 16% year-on-year increase in passenger volumes between Kuala Lumpur and East Malaysian destinations like Kota Kinabalu and Kuching as a driving factor. This surge in demand has strained Subang Airport’s capacity, which, despite its convenience, requires substantial redevelopment to accommodate future growth. In contrast, KLIA T2 offers superior infrastructure and scalability, enabling the airline to optimize its operations and enhance the passenger experience during peak travel periods. The relocation is expected to streamline AirAsia’s domestic network, allowing it to increase flight frequencies and better manage rising traffic to Sabah and Sarawak.
To facilitate a smooth transition, AirAsia has outlined a comprehensive Service Recovery Options (SRO) plan for affected passengers. This includes full refunds, complimentary flight changes, and credit accounts to minimize inconvenience. Notably, the airline will maintain its Subang operations through the high-demand Hari Raya week in 2025, ensuring travelers can still benefit from the airport’s accessibility during the festive season before the shift to KLIA T2 takes effect. This phased approach underscores AirAsia’s commitment to balancing operational efficiency with customer satisfaction. The cessation of Subang flights to Kota Kinabalu and Kuching also raises questions about the airport’s long-term role in AirAsia’s network. While the airline has expressed ambitions to establish Subang as its sixth hub in Malaysia and explore international routes pending regulatory approval, the immediate focus appears to be on consolidating resources at KLIA T2. This move aligns with AirAsia’s broader mission to adapt to evolving travel demands while supporting Malaysia’s aviation landscape. As of now, passengers planning trips beyond April 7, 2025, will need to adjust to departing from KLIA T2, marking the end of a brief but significant chapter in Subang’s jet operation history.