The impending fee hike for airlines in Malaysia, some of which were to increase by more than 10 times, has been pushed back while the government works out a staggered approach.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said airlines had asked for increases to be implemented gradually so they can plan their budgets more effectively and not hit passengers with a sudden hike in fares.
"We are working on a plan on how to increase the charges while at the same time ensuring that the airlines benefit from it," he told local media.
"The staggered increase will benefit the airlines as the DCA will continue to upgrade the services it provides. The fee increase is important because the DCA is in the midst of being transformed from a department into a civil aviation authority."
The fee increases were due to be unveiled in full on April 15 but no new date has been set while discussions continue.
Liow said revised fees and charges were necessary as they had remained unchanged for over 40 years.
The proposed increases cover a wide range of aviation fees and service charges such as air traffic facilities fee, the cost of a pilot’s flight licence and the application fee for new startups seeking an air operator certificate.
