MAVCOM fines AirAsia, AirAsia X for misleading ticket prices

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) has imposed a financial penalty on AirAsia Bhd and AirAsia X Bhd for RM160,000 each for advertising misleading air ticket prices, including on the internet.

The aviation regulatory body in a statement said as prescribed in the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code 2016 (MACPC), an airline shall indicate the final price of air fares to be paid for the air transport service offered or published by an airline in any form, including the internet.

Further, the final price of air fares shall include any taxes, fees, charges, surcharges which are unavoidable at the time of publication.

Both AirAsia and AirAsia X were imposed the penalty each for advertising misleading air ticket prices.

Both entities have made the full penalty payment to MAVCOM on October 26, 2018 and November 9, 2018, respectively, said MAVCOM.

The MACPC came into effect on July 1, 2016, and was published in line with MAVCOM’s aim to protect the rights and interests of consumers.

As the first consumer protection code specifically intended for Malaysia’s aviation industry, the MACPC ultimately provides for more transparency on aviation service providers’ obligations towards consumers and clearer guidance for consumers on their rights and interests as air travelers, the agency added.

Source: NST