KLIA aerotrain back on track in time for VM2026
KUALA LUMPUR: The return of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport aerotrain service is a timely boost for Malaysia's international image and a vital step in preparing for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).
Malaysia Inbound Tourism Association president Uzaidi Udanis said: "This is a welcome improvement for Malaysia's image as a tourism gateway.
"As we gear up for Visit Malaysia 2026, seamless airport connectivity is essential.
"The aerotrain is more than a convenience. It shapes tourists' first impression of our efficiency, modernity and hospitality the moment they land."
Uzaidi said the prolonged suspension had impacted inbound travellers, especially business visitors and repeat tourists who were surprised by the lack of essential services at an international airport.
"The replacement shuttle buses worked, but they often caused confusion and delays.
"Some clients questioned whether Malaysia was ready to welcome international tourists in the post-pandemic era.
"This seemingly small issue had a ripple effect on perceptions, so fixing it now is necessary and urgent."
While acknowledging that the delay had dampened expectations among industry players, he believes confidence can be restored.
"The aerotrain's return must be matched with consistent service, clear signage and real-time digital updates.
"If executed well, it will ease passenger flow and send a strong message: Malaysia is back on track to welcome the world."
Malaysian Tourism Federation president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said the resumption reflected the government's commitment to modernising public infrastructure.
He said the service, scheduled to restart on 1 July, would boost traveller confidence and support efforts to attract investors and tourists.
"A fixed schedule offers travellers more convenience and comfort. It also sends the message that Malaysia is serious about positioning itself as an aviation hub."
Tan added that although many had hoped for an earlier completion, the aerotrain's return was still aligned with national tourism goals.
"This will help position. Malaysia as a competitive and reliable destination. It's not just about the aerotrain. Tourists also look at service quality, pricing, hotels and attractions."
He praised Transport Minister Anthony Loke's commitment to improving the traveller experience, calling the move a strong indicator of the government's intent to modernise the sector.
On Saturday, Loke said that the service would resume next month.
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New Straits Times
16 hours ago
- New Straits Times
KLIA aerotrain back on track in time for VM2026
KUALA LUMPUR: The return of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport aerotrain service is a timely boost for Malaysia's international image and a vital step in preparing for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). Malaysia Inbound Tourism Association president Uzaidi Udanis said: "This is a welcome improvement for Malaysia's image as a tourism gateway. "As we gear up for Visit Malaysia 2026, seamless airport connectivity is essential. "The aerotrain is more than a convenience. It shapes tourists' first impression of our efficiency, modernity and hospitality the moment they land." Uzaidi said the prolonged suspension had impacted inbound travellers, especially business visitors and repeat tourists who were surprised by the lack of essential services at an international airport. "The replacement shuttle buses worked, but they often caused confusion and delays. "Some clients questioned whether Malaysia was ready to welcome international tourists in the post-pandemic era. "This seemingly small issue had a ripple effect on perceptions, so fixing it now is necessary and urgent." While acknowledging that the delay had dampened expectations among industry players, he believes confidence can be restored. "The aerotrain's return must be matched with consistent service, clear signage and real-time digital updates. "If executed well, it will ease passenger flow and send a strong message: Malaysia is back on track to welcome the world." Malaysian Tourism Federation president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said the resumption reflected the government's commitment to modernising public infrastructure. He said the service, scheduled to restart on 1 July, would boost traveller confidence and support efforts to attract investors and tourists. "A fixed schedule offers travellers more convenience and comfort. It also sends the message that Malaysia is serious about positioning itself as an aviation hub." Tan added that although many had hoped for an earlier completion, the aerotrain's return was still aligned with national tourism goals. "This will help position. Malaysia as a competitive and reliable destination. It's not just about the aerotrain. Tourists also look at service quality, pricing, hotels and attractions." He praised Transport Minister Anthony Loke's commitment to improving the traveller experience, calling the move a strong indicator of the government's intent to modernise the sector. On Saturday, Loke said that the service would resume next month.
New Straits Times
16 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysian evacuated from Iran recalls enduring similar trauma 40 years ago
SEPANG: A sense of relief sank in as the 24 people, including 17 Malaysians, evacuated from conflict-stricken Iran stepped foot at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport last night. For some, it was a return to peace. For others, it was déjà vu as the evacuees from Iran recounted their ordeals. Dr Suraiya Ali, one of the evacuees, said the evacuation marked the second time she had been trapped in conflict in the Islamic republic, the first being over four decades ago during the Iran–Iraq war. "Forty years ago, after I got married and finished my studies, I lived in Iran. I was there when the Iran–Iraq war broke out. "I even worked there briefly but had to return to Malaysia when my son was just two years old. "I never returned until two weeks ago, and once again, war broke out. I was trapped twice, 40 years apart," she told reporters when met at KLIA. Dr Suraiya had travelled to Iran on June 13 with her husband to celebrate Aidiladha and visit her family. They were scheduled to return on June 18, but flight cancellations and airport closures left them stranded. "We didn't know what to do. My husband bought tickets to Dubai for June 29, but the situation kept deteriorating," she said. Her prayers were answered when her son in Malaysia informed her that the Malaysian Embassy in Tehran and Wisma Putra had arranged an evacuation. "That same night, we boarded a 15-hour bus ride from Shiraz to Tehran to meet the embassy's departure deadline. "I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Malaysian government and Wisma Putra. "The embassy staff treated us like family. It wasn't easy, we endured long journeys and dangerous roads, but we were never left on our own," she said. Meanwhile, for 33-year-old Fadli Yusni, the crisis pushed him to make a bold decision. He attempted to fly to Iran to be with his wife, Zainab, an Iranian national and student in Malaysia who had been stranded while visiting her parents. "I couldn't just wait here. I wanted to go to her, to bring her home myself," he said. But his effort fell short. Fadli only made it as far as Uzbekistan before the conflict forced him to abandon the mission. "The past 10 days were filled with panic. I kept checking the news, my phone. Every time I couldn't reach her, I feared the worst," he said. Fadli eventually sought help from the Malaysian Embassy in Tehran, staying in close contact with Ambassador Khairi Omar, who assisted him in registering Zainab for evacuation. "I told her to immediately get in touch with the embassy. Alhamdulillah, everything went smoothly after that. "I'm truly grateful to everyone involved," he said. The evacuees' journey involved a 1,000 kilometre overland route from Tehran to the Iran–Turkmenistan border, an overnight stop, and flights from Ashgabat via Bangkok before finally landing at KLIA. They were greeted by their loved ones at KLIA's arrival hall, with smiles and sighs of relief as families reunited after their arduous journey across borders and multiple countries.
New Straits Times
17 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysian evacuated from conflict-stricken Iran recalls enduring similar trauma 40 years ago
SEPANG: A sense of relief sank in as the 24 Malaysians evacuated from conflict-stricken Iran stepped foot at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport last night. For some, it was a return to peace. For others, it was déjà vu as the evacuees from Iran recounted their ordeals. Dr Suraiya Ali, one of the evacuees, said the evacuation marked the second time she had been trapped in conflict in the Islamic republic, the first being over four decades ago during the Iran–Iraq war. "Forty years ago, after I got married and finished my studies, I lived in Iran. I was there when the Iran–Iraq war broke out. "I even worked there briefly but had to return to Malaysia when my son was just two years old. "I never returned until two weeks ago, and once again, war broke out. I was trapped twice, 40 years apart," she told reporters when met at KLIA. Dr Suraiya had travelled to Iran on June 13 with her husband to celebrate Aidiladha and visit her family. They were scheduled to return on June 18, but flight cancellations and airport closures left them stranded. "We didn't know what to do. My husband bought tickets to Dubai for June 29, but the situation kept deteriorating," she said. Her prayers were answered when her son in Malaysia informed her that the Malaysian Embassy in Tehran and Wisma Putra had arranged an evacuation. "That same night, we boarded a 15-hour bus ride from Shiraz to Tehran to meet the embassy's departure deadline. "I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Malaysian government and Wisma Putra. "The embassy staff treated us like family. It wasn't easy, we endured long journeys and dangerous roads, but we were never left on our own," she said. Meanwhile, for 33-year-old Fadli Yusni, the crisis pushed him to make a bold decision. He attempted to fly to Iran to be with his wife, Zainab, an Iranian national and student in Malaysia who had been stranded while visiting her parents. "I couldn't just wait here. I wanted to go to her, to bring her home myself," he said. But his effort fell short. Fadli only made it as far as Uzbekistan before the conflict forced him to abandon the mission. "The past 10 days were filled with panic. I kept checking the news, my phone. Every time I couldn't reach her, I feared the worst," he said. Fadli eventually sought help from the Malaysian Embassy in Tehran, staying in close contact with Ambassador Khairi Omar, who assisted him in registering Zainab for evacuation. "I told her to immediately get in touch with the embassy. Alhamdulillah, everything went smoothly after that. "I'm truly grateful to everyone involved," he said. The evacuees' journey involved a 1,000 kilometre overland route from Tehran to the Iran–Turkmenistan border, an overnight stop, and flights from Ashgabat via Bangkok before finally landing at KLIA. They were greeted by their loved ones at KLIA's arrival hall, with smiles and sighs of relief as families reunited after their arduous journey across borders and multiple countries.
