Ipoh: The Perak government has called on AirAsia to reconsider its decision to suspend the Ipoh-Singapore route, which is set to take effect on April 25, as announced on the airline’s website.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development Committee chairman Loh Sze Yee stated that the state government was not informed of the decision and expressed hope that it was only a temporary measure to reorganize the airline’s strategy for new destinations. Loh emphasized the importance of resuming flight operations on the route.

Loh highlighted that data shows the Ipoh-Singapore route has been well-received, and its suspension could negatively impact Ipoh and Perak in terms of tourism, investment, and industry. He mentioned that the decision contradicts government efforts to enhance air transport in Ipoh, with ongoing collaborations to facilitate both domestic and international flight operations.

He further noted that the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport (LTSAS) is currently undergoing upgrades as part of initiatives by the state and federal governments to improve and enhance facilities, aiming to optimize flight services.

AirAsia, in its statement, announced the suspension of its operations on the Ipoh-Singapore route effective April 25. The airline plans to suspend 17 services, including the Ipoh-Singapore route, which had commenced at LTSAS on December 2, 2018, to review and coordinate its operations.