British Airways To Restart Routes To Kuala Lumpur

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically reduced global air traffic, leaving planes grounded and airport terminals vacant. While it is still difficult to forecast the return of leisure travel back to previous numbers, there is still a significant need for flights for those with emergency and business needs.

Keeping that in mind, British Airways has announced that they are resuming flights to Kuala Lumpur after a six-month hiatus due to the pandemic. The flag carrier will recommence four flights weekly from KL International Airport (IATA code: KUL), providing Malaysians with convenient flying options for travelling directly to the United Kingdom. This, however, is subject to travel and entry restrictions and requirements, including but not limited to connection restrictions and documentation requirements.

As for safety against possible infections, British Airways has taken all the necessary measures to keep passengers safe, while also urging them to abide by the new standard operating procedures to help ensure the spread of COVID-19 is minimised. These safety measures include checking-in online, downloading their boarding passes and self-scanning of boarding passes at the departure gate. Passengers are advised to practice social distancing and to wear a facemask at all times besides bringing enough facemasks to be replaced every four hours for long haul flights.

Apart from that, passengers are also urged not to travel if they are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. Cabin crews are also asked to wear personal protective equipment, while the new food service will reduce the number of interactions required with customers.

British Airways Head of Sales, Asia Pacific and the Middle East, Moran Birger, explained in a statement that the airline will be able to take all eligible customers to London and beyond on its current flight network. "We know many of our customers in Malaysia have been waiting to be reunited with their loved ones or to travel for business, and these flights will allow them to do that," he said.

According to Malaysia Airports Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh, British Airways is the third airline to offer flights to Europe during this time, affirming that Malaysia Airports is glad that more international airlines are resuming their flight operations at KL International Airport. Datuk Mohd Shukrie says that there are currently 33 airlines operating at KUL, and gave assurance that Malaysia Airports will continue to do their best in ensuring health and security protocols are followed, guided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airports Council International (ACI) as well as local authorities.