Minister denies siding with AirAsia in flight delay issue

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi has refuted allegations that he is taking AirAsia’s side in the issue of the company’s recent flight delays.

Nanta said his ministry understood that airline-related issues fell under the transport ministry and the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom).

However, he said his ministry took proactive steps when receiving complaints from consumers regarding the flight delays and compensation claims made against the airline.

“Due to the complaints made to the ministry and on the policy of this ministry that oversees consumer affairs, I contacted AirAsia to seek further clarification of the problems besetting fliers.

“The accusations stating that I favour AiraAsia are unfounded, and I hope they will stop,” he said in a statement last night.

Nanta said several statements had been issued on social media to share the results of the ministry’s engagement with AirAsia, including details of a meeting between the ministry and AirAsia’s top management yesterday afternoon.

He said the statement made was not in favour of AirAsia, and that he himself had urged the company prioritise the welfare of the affected travellers.