KLIA aerotrain expected to be back in service soon
Anyone who has ever flown internationally out of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) circa 2023 will remember hopping on the aerotrain. The driverless train service connects the main terminal to a satellite building, with the journey taking under 3 minutes.
After a hiatus of over two years, the aerotrain is on the verge of a comeback. Transport Minister Anthony Loke recently hinted at the imminent return of the aerotrain, with the train undergoing final safety tests.
When did the KLIA aerotrain halt services?
The KLIA aerotrain, shortened from Automated People Mover System, opened in 1998 and has become a key fixture in the travels of passengers at KLIA. The aerotrain ferries passengers between KLIA’s main terminal building and a complex for international flights.
Image credit: @klinternationalairport via Instagram
However, the service was suspended for upgrading works that cost RM456 million in March 2023. This move followed a series of breakdown incidents. A month prior, passengers had to walk to the satellite building when the aerotrain halted mid-journey. In March, another 114 passengers were stuck when the aerotrain malfunctioned again.
Since the suspension, passengers had to rely on free shuttle buses to travel between the two buildings.
The upgrading works include the acquisition of new, larger trains from China. These trains have been undergoing rigorous testing to ensure they meet safety standards.
Image credit: @klinternationalairport via Instagram
When does the KLIA aerotrain reopen?
Initially, the aerotrain was expected to resume operations by January 2025. However, it is now expected to resume in the second quarter of 2025.
To ensure a smooth restart, Loke announced that there would be a test run on the KLIA aerotrain in the coming week for the media before it is fully operational for the public, as reported by The Star.
Likewise, the official Instagram page of KLIA shared in a post dated 12th June that the brand new aerotrain is undergoing final safety tests, along with images of the train. The final test would require the first aerotrain to run a total of 2,000km without any failures, and the two other aerotrains to run a total of 1,000km.
Image credit: @klinternationalairport via Instagram
KLIA aerotrain expected to resume servicing passengers soon
After a lengthy two years, it seems like we’re nearing the return of the aerotrain service at KLIA. As its comeback means we no longer have to drag our carry-on luggage on and off a shuttle bus, it’ll be a much-welcome sight the next time we’re at KLIA.
Cover image adapted from: @klinternationalairport via Instagram