Inundated Alor Setar airport remains closed

Inundated Alor Setar airport remains closed

The Sultan Abdul Halim Air­­­­port in Alor Setar remains closed because the runways are flooded, and for now, only helicopter services are available in Kedah.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said all flights were cancelled from yesterday as the airport was in 20cm of water.

“The airport will remain closed until further notice,’’ said Kong at a press conference after sending off United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton at Subang Airport here yesterday.

Kong said that only helicopter services were available in Kedah.

He also said that there were no plans to re-route the Alor Setar-bound flights to Langkawi and Penang for now.

“However, those affected, can opt to take flights from or to the nearest airports.

MAS managing director Datuk Tengku Azmil Zahruddin Raja Abdul Aziz said affected passengers had the option to reschedule flights or make arrangements to fly from either Penang or Langkawi.

“They can also opt for ground or sea transportation,’’ he said.

On the affected pilgrims scheduled to perform the haj in Mecca, Azmil said they would make arrangements with Tabung Haji to re­­schedule the flights.

-News courtesy of The Star-