AirAsia Merdeka 2026 Travel Advisory: Airspace closures at KLIA and early arrival rules

AirAsia has issued a travel advisory for passengers flying during Malaysia’s 69th National Day period.

Temporary airspace closures surrounding Putrajaya will affect flight operations at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, alongside expected heavy congestion at security and immigration checkpoints throughout the long holiday weekend.

Airspace Closure Schedule

The Kuala Lumpur Terminal Control Area will experience temporary airspace closures to facilitate National Day flypast rehearsals and the actual celebration event in Putrajaya.

Flights will be affected from 26 to 28 August 2026 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Further closures will occur on 29 and 31 August 2026 between 8:45 AM and 9:45 AM.

Passengers can check flight updates via the Flight Status tab on the AirAsia MOVE app.

Recommended Airport Arrival Times

Passengers flying domestically must arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure, while international travellers should arrive three hours early.

Physical check in counters at KLIA Terminal 2 close strictly one hour prior to departure for domestic flights. Counters at other Malaysian airports close 45 minutes before departure.

Digital Boarding Pass Usage And Self Baggage Drop

AirAsia urges passengers to complete check in digitally using the AirAsia MOVE app or website.

Passengers can use the electronic boarding pass on the app to board flights directly without printing paper boarding passes.

Digital boarding passes are accepted across all Malaysian airports and selected overseas airports, though passengers at specific international destinations may still need to print physical boarding passes at check in counters for document verification.

Baggage allowance additions or upgrades can be processed up to four hours prior to departure. At the airport, travellers can scan the QR code on their digital boarding pass at self service kiosks to print baggage tags before heading to self baggage drop counters.

Auto Visa Verification And Passport Clearance

International travellers can verify visa requirements online through the Auto Visa Check (AVC) feature on the AirAsia MOVE app from 14 days up to one hour before departure. Scanning the visa sticker or uploading an electronic visa enables real time document verification and instant digital boarding pass issuance.

Failed verifications require manual checking at physical airport counters. Malaysian passport holders departing KLIA Terminal 2 can accelerate immigration clearance by using dedicated facial recognition and QR code lanes via the MyNIISe app.

Counter Check In Restrictions And Special Assistance

Physical counter check in services are strictly reserved for senior citizens, young passengers flying alone, pregnant travellers, guests with infants under two years old, and passengers with reduced mobility.

Pregnant guests beyond 27 weeks of pregnancy must present an approved medical certificate from a doctor alongside a completed counter form. Wheelchair assistance must be pre booked at least four hours prior to departure through the app.

Cabin Baggage Allowance Limits

Carry on luggage is strictly limited to two items per passenger with a combined total weight not exceeding 7 kg. This includes one main cabin bag measuring within 56 cm by 36 cm by 23 cm, plus one laptop bag, handbag, or small personal item.