Just a day (July 1) after resuming operations, the new KLIA Aerotrain is already facing scrutiny after it allegedly malfunctioned mid-service, raising fresh concerns among travellers.
Faced technical issues
According to a post on Facebook by a netizen named Ahmad Ramadzan Soid, he shared a photo of two officials attending to the Aerotrain which had reportedly malfunctioned at KLIA 1.
One of the trains just broke down now in KLIA 1. One still run.
Posted by Ahmad Ramadzan Soid on Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Another post by Ashish Kale on Facebook showed a picture of travellers using the bus after the Aerotrain failed to operate.
Relaunch after over two years
The Aerotrain service, which connects KLIA’s Main Terminal to its Satellite Building, resumed operations on July 1 following a major RM456 million upgrade as part of the RM742 million total refurbishment for the airport.
Sebelum berlepas bagi memulakan rangka lawatan rasmi ke tiga negara, saya telah meninjau sendiri kemudahan perkhidmatan…
Posted by Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday, July 1, 2025
The relaunch was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who praised the train’s improved efficiency and comfort.
The upgraded system features the Alstom Innovia APM 300R, with each train capable of carrying up to 270 passengers at speeds of 56 km/h, completing the journey in under three minutes. Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) had stated that the new trains underwent six months of rigorous testing prior to the relaunch.
Public expectations remain high
With Malaysia preparing for major regional events and the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, smooth airport operations are key to maintaining the nation’s reputation as a travel hub.
Despite the “hiccup”, many remained hopeful that the malfunction was just a minor issue and not reflective of larger concerns.
‘Wow that is too soon!’
‘Chill lah. There’s still the bus service available. Even major airports like those in Tokyo, London, Hong Kong, and Dubai don’t have airside people movers like the Aerotrain, but no one complains about it. Why can’t we just stay calm instead of making a fuss?’
One netizen, who claimed to be at the scene, said the malfunction was caused by a passenger who tried to hold the train door open until it got stuck.
‘I was there when it happened. There was this one passenger who held the train door open until it jammed! Did they think it was a lift door that you can mess with however you like? It caused trouble for everyone. Definitely the type who reserves parking spots with chairs!‘
Disruption caused by water accumulation
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) later released a statement on the matter, saying that the one hour disruption was caused by water accumulation in the tunnel caused by heavy rainfall.
“One of the drainage pumps experienced a technical fault during the downpour at 11am, preventing the automatic removal of water.
“The tunnel’s drainage system includes pumps designed to manage water ingress during severe weather conditions.
“As a safety precaution, train operations were suspended until the water was manually cleared and the tracks were confirmed safe for use.
“Service resumed at 12.15pm after clearance was obtained from the technical and safety teams,” the statement read.
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