Southeast Asia’s biggest low cost carrier AirAsia has demanded compensation from the Kuala Lumpur airport operator, which it accuses of mismanagement and damaging the airline’s reputation.
AirAsia says the problems of the new klia2 terminal reflects badly on the airline and has demanded MYR409 million ($107 million) to cover losses and damages suffered to its business.
The carrier sent a letter to Malaysia Airports Holdings claiming ‘the public perception is that the failings of the facilities are within the control of AirAsia" as klia2’s largest user.’
The terminal, which opened a year ago, is sinking, causing cracks in the tarmac.
AirAsia says it poses safety risks, delays and unnecessary wear and tear on aircraft.
The worst affected areas have been resurfaced but it will take until next year to solve the problem permanently.
Malaysia Airports said it would ‘vigorously challenge’ AirAsia’s claims.
"We are surprised by some of these assertions about klia2 after AirAsia has benefited from the facilities provided by Malaysia Airports since 2001 to grow into the largest LCC in Asia," the airport operator said in a statement.
