BAYAN LEPAS: A "technical issue" with the air traffic control radar at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Airport in Subang has caused a delay in several flights.
Among those stranded include three Firefly flights bound for Subang from Penang International Airport (PIA).
The airlines in a statement shared to passengers at PIA, said they were working closely with airport authorities working to resolve the issue.
"We regret to inform you that due to a technical issue with the air traffic control radar at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, all flights are currently grounded until the issue is rectified.
"We understand the inconvenience this may cause, and we apologise for the disruption to your travel plans.
"Your safety and comfort are our top priorities, and our team will continue doing all possible to ensure you are transferred to your destinations as soon as possible," the statement read.
The three affected flights from Penang to Subang include FY1439, FY1443, and FY1445 which were supposed to depart at 9pm, 9.20pm, and 10.10pm on April 25 respectively.
At 12.10am (April 26), ground staff had informed passengers on FY1445 that their flight had been cancelled and would be moved to the two other flights instead.
A passenger, Kamaruzzaman Ibrahim, had been waiting with his family at PIA since 3pm, and had yet to board his flight home.
The 64-year-old said his flight, originally for 7.10pm, had been rescheduled several times.
"I only received one text message from the airline at 6.30pm saying my flight would be delayed.
"Then I was informed by the staff that it was again delayed to 8.10pm.
"Apart from that, I barely got any updates," he said.
Another passenger, who only wanted to be known as Cece, said she was frustrated by the lack of communication by the staff.
"At first we were told that the delay was because of the rain, then they said the runway was muddy.
"They kept changing the story. They couldn't even tell us what time we would be flying out," she said.
Meanwhile, a business man named Steve, 40, said he had been waiting at the PIA since 7pm.
"I've been waiting here for so long, and no proper announcement was given.
"I travel between Penang and Subang about four to five times a month and I've never experienced a delay like this.
"If there really is an issue with the Subang airport or the radar at the air traffic control tower, then I hope the transport ministry will look into it," he said.
NST has reached out to the Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia (CAAM) for comments.