The Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) has remarked that the prices of most flights during the 15^th general election (GE15) travelling period are now significantly lower than the initial spike seen after the GE15 announcement. This came following the completion of its review of airfares for domestic flights that will be operating between 16 to 20 November 2022.

According to MAVCOM’s assessment, the average airfare for one-way domestic flights (across all airlines) for routes within Peninsular Malaysia now stands at RM185. Meanwhile, the average airfare for routes within East Malaysia is RM188, and RM296 for routes between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia.

Additionally, the commission observed that a small percentage of routes have airfares that are higher than average. To resolve this, MAVCOM urged airlines to increase the capacity for these specified routes during GE15 as demand is likely to increase closer to the polling date.

“Moreover, MAVCOM has requested that airlines increase capacity on (all of) its operating routes during the GE15 travelling dates in ensuring that enough flights are available to various domestic destinations at an affordable price,” MAVCOM further noted in its statement, although it also acknowledged that all local scheduled airlines have already taken the initiative to plan extra flights for various routes starting from November 2022, using the resources at their disposal.

Similarly, executive chairman of MAVCOM, Datuk Seri Hj. Saripuddin Hj. Kasim said that the commission is pleased to see that airlines are doing their part to support voters during GE15. “However, more can be done, and airlines must continue to play their part for the nation during this critical period,” he commented.

Datuk Seri Hj. Saripuddin also emphasised that airlines have introduced promotions and discounted airfares to help alleviate the financial burden on voters as they return to their home states for the occasion. “There are also existing discount schemes offered by airlines specifically for student travellers, which could aid travel for young voters,” he said, responding to recent remarks that young and first-time voters are discouraged from returning home to vote due to expensive flight prices.  

Meanwhile, caretaker Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong had reassured the public last week that MAVCOM will monitor the prices of flight tickets ahead of GE15. This came following an earlier public outcry over the massive surge in flight ticket prices for the election weekend, minutes after the Election Committee announced the polling dates on 20 October 2022. At that time, ticket prices (one-way) were reported to have soared above RM650 for various domestic routes.

(Source: MAVCOM)

• TAGS:
• Airlines
• Datuk Seri Hj. Saripuddin Hj. Kasim
• Domestic Flights
• Flight Tickets
• GE15
• General Election
• Malaysian Aviation Commission
• Mavcom