The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) has issued an advisory for consumers affected by the upcoming shutdown of Jetstar Asia Airways, urging them to take prompt action. The airline, a Singapore-based low-cost carrier under the Jetstar Group, is scheduled to cease operations on 31 July 2025.
Jetstar Asia’s closure follows a decision announced by Australia’s Qantas Group and its joint venture partner Westbrook Investments. The carrier, which has operated for over two decades in the region, has faced mounting operational costs, with some supplier charges rising by up to 200%.
The shutdown affects 16 intra-Asia routes, and its 13 Airbus A320 aircraft will be redeployed to Australia and New Zealand. The closure is part of a broader Qantas fleet renewal initiative, with significant investments planned in new aircraft and core operations. Meanwhile, services operated by Jetstar Airways (JQ) and Jetstar Japan (GK) remain unaffected.
Only two routes operated by Jetstar Asia in Malaysia are affected: Singapore-Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore-Penang. Mavcom has advised passengers with bookings under Jetstar Asia’s code (3K) to contact the airline via its dedicated Live Chat service or its global contact centres for help with bookings, changes, or refund requests.
In accordance with the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code 2016 (MACPC), affected travellers are entitled to a full refund – covering the ticket price, taxes, and fees – via the original payment method within 30 days, or the option to be rerouted to their final destination using comparable transport. The commission is also offering further support through its own consumer channels.
On a related note, Mavcom is set to merge with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), following Parliament’s decision last year to dissolve the commission. According to Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah in February, no specific date has been set for the merger. However, it has been confirmed that Mavcom’s functions will be absorbed by CAAM, which will report directly to the ministry.
(Source: The Edge Malaysia / Qantas)
