Normal flight operations at KLIA and klia2 despite worsening haze

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Despite low visibility at klia2 due to haze, the flight operations are still as normal. — Bernama photo

Despite low visibility at klia2 due to haze, the flight operations are still as normal. — Bernama photo

SEPANG: All flights at the KL International Airport (KLIA) and KL International Airport 2 (klia2) are as normal despite the worsening haze afflicting Malaysia especially around the two airports.

The Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in areas around KLIA and klia2 such as Banting, Nilai, Putrajaya has reached unhealthy levels (100-200).

Until 6pm yesterday, Banting was the most badly affected by haze with a reading of 170 followed by Nilai (164) and Putrajaya (157).

According to a Malaysia Airports spokesman, as of 6pm yesterday, no flights were affected by the haze.

“Checks at our terminal operations showed there were no flight delays due to haze. However there were flight delays due to normal operational issues,” he told Bernama.

A Bernama check around klia2 and KLIA found them covered with haze and visibility was two kilometres.

A pilot who declined to be identified, said the haze had not affected flights.

“The haze situation here is quite bad. However, haze is not a problem unless there is a storm or heavy rain, as it will affect operations.

“Although visibility is quite low due to the haze, it is still safe for take off and landing,” he said when contacted.

A passenger, clerk Atiqah Shuib, 33, expressed her anxiety at the worsening haze around klia2.

“I am worried my flight could be cancelled and this will affect my family’s holiday,” she said.

Yesterday, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the Marine Department Malaysia and the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) had been directed to issue haze warnings to ships and aircraft at all airports and ports.

He said it would be very dangerous for aircraft to land at airports if the visibility is less than 600 metres.

At 5pm yesterday, 19 areas in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak recorded unhealthy air quality as compared to 18 at 2pm.

According to the Department of Environment’s (DOE) website, the new location to record unhealty quality was Sarikei in Sarawak which had an Air Pollutants Index (API) reading of 101.

The other areas with unhealthy air quality were Nilai with API of 161, Seremban (155), Sri Aman (110), Samarahan (128), Banting (168), Kuala Selangor (112), Port Kelang (115), Cheras (129), Putrajaya (156), Bandaraya Melaka (166), Port Dickson (160) and Shah Alam (151).

The following locations saw a drop in the API readings at 5pm, namely Pasir Gudang (105), Muar (147), Bukit Rambai (169), Kuching (118), Petaling Jaya (144), and Batu Muda (131). — Bernama