Travelers flying in and out of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) this week should brace for changes, as airspace surrounding the airport will be temporarily closed to make way for preparations and fly-past rehearsals for Malaysia’s 68th National Day celebrations.

Malaysia marks its 68th Independence Day on 31 August 2025 with nationwide celebrations
Malaysia marks its 68th Independence Day on 31 August 2025 with nationwide celebrations.
Image credit: Mvectordesigns (Shutterstock)

The airspace restriction will be in place from August 26 to 31, daily between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM. As a result, Malaysia Airlines confirmed that 121 flights, covering both domestic and international routes will see adjustments to their original departure and arrival schedules.

Flights affected include key Malaysian cities and international routes

On the domestic front, affected routes include flights between:

  • Kuala Lumpur
  • Alor Setar
  • Langkawi
  • Kota Bharu
  • Kuala Terengganu
  • Penang
  • Kuantan
  • Johor Bahru
  • Kuching
  • Miri
  • Kota Kinabalu

Internationally, changes extend to services connecting Malaysia:

  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Indonesia
  • Vietnam
  • Philippines
  • Cambodia
  • Myanmar
  • India
  • Bangladesh
  • Sri Lanka
  • Nepal
  • Hong Kong
  • Taiwan
  • China
  • Australia
  • Saudi Arabia
A Malaysia Airlines aircraft takes off from KLIA, where 121 flights will be rescheduled during airspace closures for Merdeka rehearsals
A Malaysia Airlines aircraft takes off from KLIA, where 121 flights will be rescheduled during airspace closures for Merdeka rehearsals.
Image credit: New Straits Time

Tips for passengers to save time

Malaysia Airlines has urged passengers to plan ahead and arrive at least four hours before departure to allow sufficient time for check-in, document verification, and security screening.

Travelers are also reminded to:

  • Ensure passports are valid for at least six months.
  • Verify visa and entry requirements with immigration authorities or embassies before travel.
  • Use online or mobile check-in services between 48 hours and 90 minutes prior to departure.
  • Print baggage tags and boarding passes at KLIA’s self-service kiosks if eligible.
  • Ensure all required travel documents are brought along, including the original passport, identification card, and MyKID for children.
Passengers are reminded to bring all required travel documents and ensure proper baggage check-in to avoid delays during the busy holiday period
Passengers are reminded to bring all required travel documents and ensure proper baggage check-in to avoid delays during the busy holiday period.
Image credit: TTG Asia

Boarding rules to note:

  • Check-in counters close 60 minutes before departure.
  • Boarding pass scans cut off 40 minutes before take-off for domestic flights and 50 minutes for international flights.
  • Boarding gates will close 30 minutes prior to the flight departure.

Malaysia Airlines also warned that due to the anticipated surge in passenger traffic, waiting times at check-in, immigration, and security may stretch beyond 45 minutes. Passengers are encouraged to proceed directly to the security zone once they complete check-in procedures.

Travelers are urged to arrive early, as check-in, immigration, and security wait times may exceed 45 minutes
Travelers are urged to arrive early, as check-in, immigration, and security wait times may exceed 45 minutes.
Image credit: Jaggat Rashidi (Shutterstock)

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