Last updated on August 2, 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: Firefly Sdn Bhd (Firefly), a low-cost carrier under Malaysia Aviation Group Bhd (MAG),Firefly to End Jet Services at Subang Airport Starting August 19 will discontinue its jet operations to and from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang Airport) in Subang, Selangor, effective August 19. The move makes Firefly the second airline after AirAsia to withdraw jet services from the airport.
Despite this, Firefly’s turboprop services will remain active at Subang Airport, continuing to serve destinations such as Penang, Seletar (Singapore), Kota Bharu, and Johor Bahru.
MAG said the decision aligns with its long-term network optimisation strategy, aimed at improving operational efficiency and ensuring the sustainability of Firefly’s jet operations.
In a statement issued Wednesday, MAG group managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail explained that consolidating all jet services at Terminal 1 of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA T1) enables Firefly to enhance scalability, strengthen connectivity, and better utilise MAG’s centralised resources, including engineering, ground handling, and catering.
“Subang Airport will continue to play a vital role in our turboprop network, offering essential links across key domestic and regional destinations. This decision reflects our commitment to positioning KLIA as Malaysia’s main aviation hub, while maintaining accessible air travel options nationwide,” he said.
This withdrawal comes one year after Firefly launched direct jet flights from Subang to Penang, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, and Singapore. The airline currently operates a fleet of nine ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft and five Boeing 737-800 jets.
AirAsia similarly ceased its jet services at Subang on April 7, relocating to KLIA Terminal 2 just eight months after launching there. That move freed up five daily flight slots, and Firefly’s exit is expected to release another five.
“Firefly has informed us of its plan to terminate jet operations at Subang,” said Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani at a recent media briefing on the company’s post-privatisation strategic direction.
He added that MAHB is currently evaluating proposals from other airlines to fill the vacated slots, with priority given to local carriers. Discussions with the Ministry of Transport are ongoing, and a final decision on whether foreign airlines will be permitted is expected soon.
MAG assured that affected passengers will be contacted directly and offered options including a full refund, rebooking with Malaysia Airlines, or continuing their journey from KLIA, in accordance with the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code 2016.
Firefly will launch new jet services from KLIA starting August 19, with its inaugural flight to Tawau. Subsequent routes will roll out gradually: Kuching and Kota Kinabalu on August 21, Singapore on August 22, Johor Bahru on August 23, Kota Bharu and Terengganu on August 30, and Sibu on September 3. The KLIA–Penang service will also increase from twice weekly to six times per week starting August 23, and to 10 times weekly by November.
Financial and Operational Challenges at Subang
Sources revealed that Firefly’s Subang-based jet operations have been consistently loss-making over the past year, placing financial pressure on MAG. According to Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) records, Firefly recorded net losses from FY2019 through FY2023, although the deficit narrowed to RM19.17 million in FY2023 from RM32.15 million in FY2022, supported by a 19.5% year-on-year revenue increase to RM669.73 million.
Industry experts noted that Firefly’s point-to-point jet model was difficult to integrate with MAG’s broader network due to the separation between Subang and KLIA, rendering the operation commercially unsustainable.
Additional challenges cited include Subang Airport’s infrastructure limitations — only one jet movement per hour is allowed to prevent congestion, and a 6am–10pm operating curfew is enforced to manage noise in nearby residential areas. The airport also has only six parking bays for narrow-body aircraft.
“Limited jet slots and tightly managed airspace due to KLIA’s proximity create operational constraints,” one expert said. Another added, “Access to Subang is hampered by road congestion and the absence of a rail link.”
MAHB has invested RM22 million to upgrade Subang’s passenger-handling capacity from 1.5 million to 3 million annually. However, further expansion appears unlikely.
“We’re maintaining the cap of 15 jet slot pairs per day,” said Mohd Izani. “That reflects the government’s stance. Increasing the limit further could raise concerns among nearby residents.”
