SEPANG: A system failure of AirAsia Bhd is believed to be the cause that led to hundreds of passengers being temporarily stranded at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2) earlier today.
Checks by the New Straits Times at the klia2 revealed the system had been finally restored after several hour of down time.
A spokesperson for AirAsia at klia2 diverted the blame to an Immigration system failure.
However, this assertion was quickly dispelled by Immigration Department director-general Datuk Mustafa Ibrahim, who said their system was operating normally since morning.
"Until now there has been no system failure reported on our part. It is the airline's system.
"This afternoon there were many passengers at the departure hall but our counters were empty," he said when contacted.
It was learnt that the alleged system failure took place at about 10am and lasted up to 12 noon.
Passengers will be placed on the next flight based on availability. Otherwise, their ticket will be replaced with a ticket for the flight on the following day a source said.
A Malindo Air ground worker when met said although several of the airline's flights were delayed, it had nothing to do with the system failure.
"The delay was because we needed some extra time to swap flights" she said.
Meanwhile, AirAsia on its Facebook page said congestion was expected at all major airports and guests were advised to arrive at least 3 hours prior to departure during the year-end holiday travel period.
This is to avoid the anticipated congestion at most major airports, especially at klia2 which expects at least 40,000 passengers daily throughout this holiday period.
"Travelling formalities such as customs clearance, immigration clearance and security checks might take longer than usual during this peak travel period," the statement read.
Additional reporting by Hani Shamira Shahrudin