The Malaysian Guide

CAAM: Check Flights Early Ahead of Malaysia School Holidays

· 2 min read Travel News
City skyline during night time, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Malaysia’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAM) issued a public advisory on 20 May 2026 asking travelers to check their flight status in advance as the country enters the school holiday period. CAAM cited both elevated domestic travel volumes and ongoing disruptions affecting airline operations globally.

Recent disruptions at KLIA

The advisory follows a week of significant disruption at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. On 15 May, 24 flights were cancelled and 281 delayed at KLIA in a single day — AirAsia recorded 14 cancellations and 100 delays; Malindo Air had 10 cancellations and 48 delayed flights. Routes affected included Kota Bharu, Langkawi, Johor Bahru and Bangkok. On 19 May, a further wave of cancellations and delays swept Southeast Asian routes following severe weather and operational issues involving Batik Air, AirAsia and Garuda Indonesia across Indonesia and Malaysia.

CAAM’s specific guidance

CAAM recommends that travelers:

  • Check their flight status with the airline or via the KLIA website before leaving for the airport
  • Arrive earlier than their airline’s standard check-in window during the holiday period
  • Confirm which terminal they are departing from — KLIA handles Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines and most full-service carriers, while KLIA2 serves AirAsia and other budget operators

Passenger rights under MACPC

CAAM reminded travelers of their rights under the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code (MACPC). Airlines operating flights to or from Malaysia are required to provide meals and refreshments for delays over two hours, accommodation for delays over eight hours that require an overnight stay, and refunds or rebooking options for cancellations. Travelers should retain receipts for any delay-related expenses as these support any subsequent claim.

Visit Malaysia 2026 peak period

The school holidays land during one of Visit Malaysia Year 2026’s most active domestic travel periods. Malaysia Airlines has reported on-time performance above 90% for both April and May, suggesting the worst disruptions have been concentrated at KLIA2’s budget terminal. Travelers flying full-service carriers are currently experiencing significantly fewer delays than those on low-cost routes, though conditions can shift quickly during high-demand windows.

Our Kuala Lumpur guide covers transport between KLIA, KLIA2 and the city centre — including the KLIA Ekspres train, which runs independently of road traffic and is the most reliable option during congested periods. Our Penang guide and Langkawi guide cover the main domestic leisure destinations for those planning travel during the holiday window. Seasonal planning advice is in our Malaysia travel guide.