After two years, travellers laud smoother and faster way of getting around

SEPANG: After a more than two-year wait, travellers at Kuala Lumpur International Airport can breathe a sigh of relief as the aerotrain service resumed yesterday.

Capable of ferrying a total of 270 passengers in one ride, the aerotrain shortens travel time between the main terminal and satellite building to about three minutes.

Fishmonger Chia Kim Yee, 26, said the aerotrain was much more comfortable compared to using the shuttle bus service.

“The bus service was quite complicated. Other countries also have systems similar to the aerotrain.

“Now that it is back in service, it is much easier to move around the airport,” said Chia, who just arrived from Taiwan.

Project engineer Ng Yong Loon, 25, also lauded the return of the aerotrain service.

“Taking the bus wasn’t the best experience, and it could get rather hot. It is my first time taking the aerotrain and we hope this service can continue, as it makes it extremely convenient,” said Ng, who had travelled back from Vietnam.

Oil and gas surveyor Amirudin Bahari, 40, said using the train was much more efficient.

“Now, we don’t have to walk that much. It is only a three-minute ride and as a frequent traveller, it makes the journey more comfortable. 

“Hopefully, the train can continue serving its purpose well, with no breakdowns,” he added. 

An Indian national, who wanted to be known only as Priya, said the aerotrain’s return added a sense of efficiency to her travel.

“We are always pressed for time and the aerotrain makes a big difference. It is also much more organised,” said the business traveller.

Private sector worker Nazihah Abdullah, 35, said she was excited to see the aerotrain back in service after such a long hiatus.

“We were quite eager to ride it. The train is much better compared to the bus, where there is a longer waiting time.

“The current train also seems more spacious and has a display, compared to the previous aerotrain operations,” said Nazihah.

The aerotrain, which came under public scrutiny for its frequent breakdowns, had its service suspended in March 2023.

During the aerotrain’s hiatus, shuttle bus services were deployed as a stop-gap measure.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was also among those who rode the train yesterday, during a walkabout at KLIA Terminal 1.

“Good and very fast, maybe faster than before,” he said briefly when met while making his way to the Bunga Raya complex.

Anwar arrived at about 1pm with an entourage including Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

Anwar is set to make his inaugural official visit to Italy as Prime Minister.

Rome is the first stop of the Prime Minister’s week of working visits, which also includes Paris and Rio de Janeiro.