Flight Delays At Kuching Airport After RMAF Jet Incident Forces Runway Closure

By K.Naveen Prabu

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- Batik Air is among the airlines affected by a temporary runway closure at Kuching International Airport (KIA) today, following a runway excursion involving a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) aircraft.

A Batik Air spokesperson confirmed that the airline experienced delays but no cancellations.

“As per my information, our flight was affected by the incident. However, operations are expected to resume as normal by 3pm. 

“The delay was caused by a runway excursion, which impacted departures during the usual schedule. Flights were not cancelled, just delayed to clear off the runway,” the spokesperson told Bernama. 

A spokesperson from Malaysia Airlines also confirmed that one of its flights, MH3530, was delayed for about 45 minutes due to the incident.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd had earlier issued a travel advisory stating that the runway was closed from 11.30 am to facilitate the removal of the RMAF aircraft and to conduct safety checks.

A notice to airmen was issued, with the closure expected to last until 3 pm.

The aircraft involved was identified as an RMAF F/A-18D Hornet, which made a precautionary landing due to an issue with its nose landing gear indicator. No injuries were reported.

Passengers travelling through KIA are advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight updates.

-- BERNAMA