The relationship between Malaysian-based AirAsia and Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) – the operator of Kuala Lumpur Airport – has not been a good over the last few years. It’s taken a more rough situation over the last month as the low cost carrier is counter-suing the airport operator for over RM400 million (USD $96 million) due to interruptions at Terminal 2 at Kuala Lumpur Airport.

The claim comes after MAHB summoned the low cost carrier and its sister carrier AirAsia X for unpaid passenger service charges. According to MAHB, AirAsia owed RM9.4 million (USD $2.3 million) while AirAsia X owed RM 27 million USD $6.5 million). In response to the claim, AirAsia said in a statement in December the company was not obligated to collect airport tax for Malaysia Airports. MAHB filed the claim in December, claiming unpaid fees for international departures from July 1.

When fees were raised for operating at Terminal 2 at Kuala Lumpur Airport in February 2018, AirAsia refused to collect the additional charge. The carrier has lodged complaints about the condition of Terminal 2, which it operates from at Kuala Lumpur airport. AirAsia has attributed conditions such as runway closures, a ruptured fuel line in 2016, and “lower levels of service” when compared to Terminal 1 – which is used by full-service carriers serving the airport – to revenue losses, flight delays, and additional operating costs.

The counter-suit is the latest chapter of a tense relationship between the AirAsia group and Malaysia Airports Holdings. In 2011, both parties had disputes surrounding costs and capacity of Terminal 2, where AirAsia has been operating from since 2011. AirAsia officials including group CEO Tony Fernandes have openly criticized the conditions at the terminal. AirAsia head of communications Mohd Aziz Laikar Ali was summoned by Malaysian police in early January after tweeting a video showing a trash can with maggots at Terminal 2.



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