AirAsia. Photo: ThamKC / Shutterstock.com AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines are urging passengers to plan ahead when traveling during Malaysia’s 69th National Day week, warning that temporary airspace closures and increased passenger traffic could affect journeys from August 26 through August 31.
Temporary airspace restrictions will be introduced within the Kuala Lumpur Terminal Control Area to facilitate rehearsals and the National Day flypast in Putrajaya. The closures are scheduled from 11am to noon on August 26, 27 and 28, and from 8:45am to 9:45am on August 29 and 31.
The National Day holiday period is also expected to bring heavier traffic at airport check-in counters, security screening areas and immigration checkpoints.
The airlines are therefore advising passengers to allow additional time at the airport. Travelers taking domestic flights are encouraged to arrive at least two hours before departure, while those flying internationally should arrive at least three hours ahead of their scheduled departure.
Passengers should also be aware of check-in deadlines. At Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2, check-in counters close one hour before scheduled departure. For domestic flights at other Malaysian airports, counters close 45 minutes before departure.
The airline is encouraging passengers to use digital services to reduce queues and speed up airport procedures. The AirAsia MOVE app provides the latest flight information through its Flight Status feature and can also be used to manage baggage allowances.
Passengers who have completed online check-in can use airport kiosks to print baggage tags before proceeding to self-bag drop facilities. Additional baggage allowance can be purchased or increased through the AirAsia MOVE app up to four hours before departure.
International travelers should also check entry and transit requirements before leaving for the airport. AirAsia reminded passengers that visa and other travel requirements can change and that travelers are responsible for meeting the requirements of every country on their itinerary.
The airline has also expanded digital document verification through its AirAsia MOVE app and website. Passengers can upload or photograph their visa documents and receive a completed boarding pass after verification.
Its Auto Visa Check (AVC) feature allows eligible international passengers to verify visa or Electronic Travel Authorization documents during online check-in. The process can be completed from up to 14 days before departure and until one hour before the flight. If the automated verification fails, passengers will need to complete a manual document check at the airport.
AirAsia said counter check-in will be reserved for certain passengers, including those with reduced mobility, passengers traveling with infants under 24 months, pregnant travelers, senior citizens and young passengers traveling alone.
Passengers requiring a wheelchair or other special assistance can pre-book the service through their booking or the My Bookings section of the AirAsia MOVE app. The request should be made at least four hours before scheduled departure.
Malaysian passport holders traveling through KLIA Terminal 2 are also encouraged to download the MyNIISe app. The system provides access to dedicated immigration lanes using QR codes and facial recognition, potentially helping eligible travelers move through immigration more quickly.
Malaysian Airlines also encouraged passengers who hold passports to use the MyBorderPass app to obtain a QR code and speed up departure immigration clearance through eight (8) E-Gates.
After check-in, passengers are encouraged to "proceed directly to the security screening area" and allow up to 40 minutes before departure to scan the boarding pass for domestic flights and 50 minutes for international flights.
"Please be prepared for extended waiting times, which may exceed 45 minutes, at key touchpoints such as check-in counters, immigration, and security clearance, due to the anticipated high volume of travelers," the airline added.