Malaysia Airlines Retimes Flights as KLIA Airspace Closes for Merdeka

By Nesamalar Kathirvellu

KUALA LUMPUR, 25 August 2025: Malaysia Airlines has retimed several flights between August 26 and 31, 2025, following a daily airspace closure at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to facilitate rehearsals for the nation’s 68th Merdeka Day celebrations. The temporary restriction, imposed from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day, will affect both departures and arrivals at KLIA. The airline has released a date-by-date list of affected flights but has not specified the total number of services impacted. Therefore, this is to allow the Royal Malaysian Air Force to practise an aerial flypast that will be a part of the August 31 Malaysian National Day parade.

In its advisory, Malaysia Airlines urged passengers departing from KLIA to arrive at least four hours before revised departure times to accommodate longer check-in and document verification procedures. Travelers were also reminded to carry all necessary travel documents and to confirm entry and exit requirements with official sources before flying. Passengers are advised to monitor the airline’s official website and communication channels for the latest updates. 

Malaysia Airlines stressed that early preparation and compliance with guidelines will be key to ensuring a smooth travel experience during the airspace closure. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) had previously announced the scheduled airspace closure. In light of this, airlines are expected to notify affected passengers and reschedule flights as necessary. The ministry also urged public cooperation, emphasizing the temporary inconvenience is for a national celebration.  

Simultaneously, a number of highways in Putrajaya will be closed from the 26th to the 29th of August to accommodate Merdeka parade rehearsals. From 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., 14 roads will be closed, including Persiaran Perdana, Dataran Putra, and Lebuh Wawasan. Additionally, all roads leading to Putrajaya Core Island will be closed starting at 10 p.m. on August 29 and 31. On the day of the parade, 16 highways in Putrajaya will be closed.