SIBU: All Malaysia Airlines flights between Kuala Lumpur and Sibu today have been cancelled in the wake of Saturday night’s incident at Sibu Airport, which saw a MAS Boeing 737-800 skid off the runaway during a heavy downpour.
It is understood that the aircraft, which is still lying on its belly next to the runway, is in the process of being removed.
In a statement today, Malaysia Airlines said passengers affected by the cancellations will be reallocated to the next available flights.
Four flights were scheduled to serve the Kuala Lumpur-Sibu route today: MH2712, MH2713, MH2715 and MH2718.
"To allow for the removal of the aircraft (which skidded), Sibu Airport will be temporarily closed until 8pm today," said the statement.
The national carrier said it has deployed its air recovery kit from Kuala Lumpur to assist with the removal of the plane, which went off Runaway 13 and landed on soft ground at the airport.
"An aircraft investigation team is also on the way to assess the site," it said.
Malaysia Airlines added that the carrier is in the midst of retrieving baggage from inside the aircraft belonging to the 61 passengers rescued.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Badlisham Ghazali could not be reached for comment on today’s temporary closure of the Sibu Airport.
Flight MH2718 from Kuala Lumpur, with 67 passengers and crew members, skidded upon landing at the airport during heavy rain at 10.17pm last night.
All passengers and crew members evacuated via two slide rafts and no injuries were reported.
The aircraft, however, sustained substantial damage as its nose gear collapsed in the incident.