19 Penang Flights Delayed Or Cancelled Due To Worsening Haze

It seems that the uninvited haze season shows no signs of slowing down and API readings at several areas in the country are increasing rampantly.

The haze situation has not only forced hundreds of schools across the country to be closed but has also affected flight operations.

According to the New Straits Times, the haze affected a total of 19 flights flying to and from Penang.

Penang International Airport senior airport manager Mohd Nadzim Hashim said the flights were affected due to low visibility of only 1,600m as of Wednesday evening.

Mohd Nadzim explained that eight flights (AirAsia, Lion Air, MAS, Cathay Dragon, Firefly, Malindo Air) were delayed and four were cancelled (Silk Air, China Airlines).

The remaining flights were mostly diverted and one had to turn back due to the poor visibility.

“We are closely monitoring the situation with feedback from the Air Traffic Control Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia,” Mohd Nadzim said.

“We are handing out water to stranded passengers while the airlines are giving coupon meals to their passengers as well.”

He added that the airport may be at risk of closing down if the air visibility drops below 800m.

So, if you are flying to or from Penang, you might want to pay close attention because you may be affected looking at the current haze situation in our country.