Scrapping Routes 'Nothing New' In Airline Industry, Says Minister

SEPANG, Jan 13 (Bernama) -- Transport Minister of Malaysia Kong Cho Ha said it was "nothing new" for airlines to apply for additional flights, reduce frequency or scrap their existing routes. He was commenting on AirAsia X's decision to withdraw services to India (Mumbai and Delhi) and Europe (Paris, London) from its Kuala Lumpur hub as part of its network realignment. He said the airline industry was very dynamic and cutting routes could be part of their business strategy when the routes were not making money. "They have their reasons. It is not because of we don't allow them. "They have their own business model and the decision made was based on their business plan," he told reporters after the official welcoming ceremony of Emirates's A380 at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) here Thursady. On reports of AirAsia X commencing KL-Sydney services next week, Kong said: "We don't have objection to any airline flying anywhere. "We welcome all airlines, local and foreign airlines to fly as many destinations as often and as they want to improve connectivity not only to KLIA but also Kota Kinabalu, Penang or Langkawi," he said. -- BERNAMA