KUALA LUMPUR – AirBorneo has expressed regret to travellers affected by recent flight delays and cancellations across Sarawak and Sabah, acknowledging the inconvenience and uncertainty experienced over the past few days.
In a statement today, the Sarawak-owned airline said the disruptions stemmed from several aircraft being unavailable at the same time due to scheduled maintenance and technical rectifications, which were delayed by the delivery of key replacement components.
“Safety remains our highest priority, but we fully recognise the impact these disruptions have had on the communities that rely on our services every day,” the airline said.
AirBorneo chief executive officer Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin acknowledged the frustration caused.
“Our focus now is on restoring reliable service while ensuring every aircraft in our fleet continues to meet the highest standards of safety and airworthiness,” he said.
Megat Ardian Wira added that the airline has introduced additional operational and maintenance measures to improve fleet resilience and support the gradual return to normal services.
“Recent events have been disappointing, but they do not change our commitment to serving the people of Sarawak and Sabah. We know we have work to do to restore confidence, and we are determined to earn back that trust through the actions we take every day,” he said.
As part of longer-term plans, AirBorneo is advancing its fleet renewal and expansion programme, which includes the planned introduction of ATR 72-600 aircraft. The additional planes are expected to strengthen operational resilience, enhance flexibility across the network, and support the airline’s aim of providing safe and dependable air connectivity throughout Sarawak and Sabah.
Affected passengers have been contacted to assist with rebooking, refunds, and other travel support, including meals, accommodation, and ground transportation where needed. Those requiring further assistance can contact AirBorneo’s Customer Care team at +60 82 537 555 (international) or 1 300 22 1388 (local), or visit airborneo.com/en/contact-us.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) is closely monitoring the situation, noting that the airline attributed the disruptions to operational and maintenance issues.
“AirBorneo is reminded to take all reasonable measures to minimise inconvenience to affected consumers and to ensure compliance with its obligations under the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code 2016 (MACPC) while maintaining the highest standards of operational safety,” CAAM said in a statement.
CAAM also advised affected travellers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport and to contact AirBorneo directly for updated information, assistance, and alternative arrangements. Under the MACPC, passengers may be entitled to care and assistance such as meals, communication facilities, accommodation, transportation, rerouting, or a refund depending on the nature and duration of the disruption.
The authority added that unresolved complaints can be submitted via the FlySmart website at www.flysmart.my, by email to [email protected], or through the hotline at 1800-18-6966 (within Malaysia) or +603-7651 2777 (outside Malaysia).
“Consumers lodging complaints are encouraged to provide relevant information and supporting documents to facilitate CAAM’s review of the matter,” it said, emphasising that safety and consumer rights remain a top priority in Malaysia’s civil aviation sector. – June 10, 2026
