Firefly extends flight cancellations due to regional haze

haze flight cancellations air quality wildfires Southeast Asia

Severe haze caused by wildfires in Sumatra and Kalimantan, Indonesia, has led to significant disruptions in Southeast Asia. Air quality in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur has reached unhealthy levels, with some monitoring agencies ranking them among the world's most polluted cities during this period.

Firefly, a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, has extended the cancellation of its flights between Subang (Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport) and Singapore (Seletar Airport) through October 14. The airline cited low visibility and safety concerns as the primary reasons for the suspension. Affected passengers are being rebooked on Malaysia Airlines flights between Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Changi Airport, or are eligible for full refunds.

In Singapore, the National Environment Agency (NEA) reported 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings consistently in the unhealthy range. In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) announced that mosques will suspend outdoor activities if the PSI reaches the ‘very unhealthy’ range (201-300). Additionally, the Singapore government has reintroduced subsidized care for haze-related illnesses.