The government is unlikely to allow AirAsia Sdn Bhd, which offers low-budget air flight packages, to remain operational at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SAASA) in Subang until the end of this year, said Transport Minister Dr Ling Liong Sik today.

Last week, the government announced the decision to restrict the SAASA to only propeller jet operators. All commercial jet operators, including Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and AirAsia, are to move their operations to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) this July.

Following this, AirAsia had submitted an appeal to the Cabinet to continue its operations at the present site until December.

We have discussed this matter with all layers of the airport [operators] and informed them of our objectives. We agree that the objectives are in the best of national interest, Ling old reporters after a Cabinet meeting in Putrajaya.

I dont see why we should change our mind [on the decision], added the minister.

Strengthening KLIA

Ling said among the benefits are strengthening KLIA as the national aviation hub, increasing its connectivity at domestic and international levels as well as increasing the critical mass at the airport.

Asked if the Cabinet would consider AirAsias appeal, Ling said, I think they should not...And I hope the company will receive the decision in light spirit.

AirAsia chairperson Pahamin A Rajab said last week that the company had only started three months before and was still building up its infrastructure at the SAASA.

Moving AirAsia to KLIA would mean re-planning its infrastructure and technical system which was already under construction, he reportedly said.

However, Pahamin had assured the public then that there will be no price hike in its air fares even if the company shifted to the KLIA.