Malaysia Airlines has issued an apology to passengers affected by a significant delay on a flight from Doha to Kuala Lumpur on August 12th. The flight, MH165, was scheduled to depart at 8:05 a.m. local time, but was grounded due to engine malfunction. This delay left passengers stranded at Hamad International Airport, facing uncertainty and frustration.
Many passengers took to social media to voice their concerns about the situation, highlighting the lack of clear communication and support from the airline. One stranded passenger, Annice Lyn, a local photojournalist returning from covering the 2024 Olympics in Paris, reported that passengers had their passports collected multiple times with little to no information provided about the next steps. She also noted that passengers were not offered meals or care packs during the delay, further adding to their distress.
In an effort to address the situation, Malaysia Airlines rebooked affected passengers on alternative flights operated by Qatar Airways. The airline also provided accommodation at nearby hotels in Doha for some passengers, along with full-board meal arrangements. However, many passengers remained dissatisfied with the airline’s response, citing the lack of communication and support as major concerns.
Malaysia Airlines has acknowledged the frustrations expressed by passengers and has apologized for the inconvenience caused by the delay. The airline has committed to working diligently to resolve the technical problems that caused the issue and to improving its communication and support procedures in future incidents. They aim to ensure that passengers are kept informed and provided with adequate support during similar situations in the future.