Singapore Suspension: Firefly Succeeds In Moving Passengers To Malaysia Airlines

SINGAPORE, Nov 24 (Bernama) – Firefly, which will suspend flights into Singapore effective Dec 1, 2018, has succeeded in moving many of its passengers to Malaysia Airlines. The unit of Malaysia Airlines said this in its consistent updates to affected passengers via its media social platform. “If you have not received your itinerary, please don’t fret as it’s on its way,” Firefly said in its latest Facebook update for its Subang-Singapore and Kuantan-Singapore passengers departing in December 2018. On Nov 22, Firefly’s Call Centre operation hours has been extended till 11 pm as it was facing high call volume following its announcement on the suspension which it further clarified the affected flights were “in and out” of Singapore. In its earlier announcement, Firefly said it had had to suspend flights into Singapore until the relevant authorities have cleared remaining matters in relation to the Singapore authority’s plans to move turbo-prop operations from Changi Airport to Seletar Airport. Firefly said it had not been provided any definitive timeline by the authorities for the delay. Upon final approval from the authorities, Firefly said “it will then resume its flights into Singapore.” In July, Seletar Airport which is managed by Changi Airport Group said Firefly will shift its operations to its new terminal when it becomes operational around the end of 2018. Firefly, currently operates 20 daily turbo-prop flights – to and from Subang, Ipoh and Kuantan – at Changi Airport. In its website, Firefly put up further explanations to the affected passengers among others on what will happen to their bookings. For Subang–Singapore and Singapore-Kuantan routes, Firefly said it would try its level best to accommodate them on available flights operated by Malaysia Airlines with “no cost” or “full refund within 30 working days”. On Singapore–Ipoh route, full refund will be made within 30 working days as well or passengers can change to another destination operated by Firefly with no additional cost. However, Firefly noted that it would not be providing any compensation for any missed tours, connecting flights with other airlines, cancellation for hotel booking or any other out of pocket expenses incurred due to these routes suspension. “We are doing our best to minimise the disruption by providing forward notice and a list of service recovery options to assist affected passengers to make their preferred arrangements,” it said. -- BERNAMA