Mavcom reveals that all Malaysian airlines were unable to meet international punctuality goals in January

Kuala Lumpur, 14 April -  In January 2025, the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) released data revealing that all four Malaysia-based airlines operating out of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) fell short of the international flight punctuality target. The benchmark, set at an on-time performance (OTP) rate of 85%, proved elusive for Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, AirAsia X, and Batik Air Malaysia, highlighting ongoing challenges in the nation’s aviation sector. OTP is defined as flights departing within 15 minutes of their scheduled time, a standard metric used globally to assess airline reliability. The data, sourced from Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, underscores a persistent issue that could impact Malaysia’s reputation as a regional aviation hub.

Among the carriers, AirAsia X recorded the highest international OTP at 74.6%, a notable improvement from 72.1% in December 2024, but still below the target. Malaysia Airlines followed with a 69.8% on-time performance (OTP), reflecting a slight decline from previous months. AirAsia achieved a 64% OTP, up from 54% in December, while Batik Air Malaysia’s performance remained the weakest, though specific figures for January were not detailed in the report. Despite these shortfalls, most carriers showed marginal improvements compared to December 2024, suggesting efforts to address delays, but not yet at the level required to meet Mavcom’s expectations. The reasons for these delays were not explicitly outlined. Still, industry-wide issues such as supply chain disruptions, maintenance delays, and adverse weather conditions have been cited as contributing factors in recent months.

The implications of missing the punctuality target are significant. Mavcom closely monitors OTP at KLIA’s Terminals 1 and 2, and consistent failure to meet the 85% threshold could affect airlines’ applications for air traffic rights or route expansions. This is particularly critical as Malaysia’s aviation sector anticipates robust growth, with Mavcom projecting air passenger traffic to reach between 105.8 million and 112.9 million in 2025. In January alone, 9.2 million passengers passed through Malaysian airports, signaling strong demand for air travel. However, without reliable punctuality, passenger confidence and operational efficiency could be undermined.

On the domestic front, performance was mixed. AirAsia X led with an 85.5% OTP, meeting the target, while Malaysia Airlines recorded 79.9%, a drop from 86.1% in December 2024. This disparity between domestic and international performance points to unique challenges in managing long-haul operations, possibly tied to fleet availability or global supply chain constraints affecting aircraft maintenance. Malaysia Airlines, for instance, has faced scrutiny for disruptions linked to parts shortages and workforce deficits, issues that have plagued the industry since the pandemic. Mavcom’s oversight extends beyond punctuality, with a focus on consumer protection and operational efficiency. The commission has imposed fines totaling RM4.76 million on AirAsia, AirAsia X, and Batik Air for breaches of the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code, including issues related to fare transparency and communication of flight changes. These penalties reflect Mavcom’s commitment to holding airlines accountable, but they also highlight the broader challenges facing Malaysia’s carriers as they navigate a competitive and recovering market. As the aviation sector gears up for a busy 2025, addressing these punctuality issues will be crucial to sustaining growth and maintaining Malaysia’s position in the global aviation landscape.