AirAsia: Expect airport congestion during year-end holiday period

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A file picture of the check-in counters at KLIA2.

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia Berhad says airport congestion is expected during the holiday season, and is encouraging all its passengers to arrive three hours prior to their scheduled flight departures.

In a statement, AirAsia said airport congestion at most major airports, including KLIA 2, was expected during this period, with at least 40,000 passengers moving through its gates daily.

AirAsia said travelling formalities such as customs and immigration clearance as well as security checks might take longer than usual during this peak travel period.

A local news portal reported Saturday that hundreds of AirAsia passengers were temporarily stranded at KLIA 2 due to a systems failure, but the airlines has since denied it.

"It was due to airport congestion. Everything is back to normal and operating normally," said AirAsia.

They encouraged passengers to use self check-in options via web, mobile apps or kiosk services, which are available 14 days before and up to one hour prior to departure for AirAsia flights, and up to four hours prior to departure for AirAsia X flights.

"It is also highly recommended for guests to print out their boarding passes before arriving at the airport to ease the travel process.

For guests with baggage to check-in, baggage drop counters close 60 minutes before flight departures for all AirAsia and AirAsia X flights.

"As congestion is expected at the baggage drop counters, immigration checkpoints, security scanning, and baggage clearance during this holiday season, it is advisable to complete the baggage drop process and proceed to the boarding gate as early as possible," the statement read.

AirAsia said guests with group bookings, reduced mobility or special needs are only allowed to check-in at the counter and should allocate more time to clear all travelling formalities.

"Rest assured, AirAsia's ground staff will be available at the airport to assist all guests with their travelling needs and to ensure a pleasant journey for everyone."