Aeronautical Train Meets Approval by Loke, as Per Declaration
The Aerotrain, the driverless train system that has been the internal transport network for Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) since 1998, resumed operations on July 1, 2025, after a two-year hiatus for extensive upgrading works. The upgraded system, which now uses Alstom Innovia APM 300R trainsets, can accommodate up to 270 passengers per three-car unit and travel at speeds up to 56 km/h, significantly reducing transit time between the main terminal and satellite terminal to under three minutes.
However, since its resumption, the Aerotrain has experienced some brief operational disruptions. On July 4, 2025, service was briefly suspended due to flooding in the train tunnel caused by heavy rainfall. The flooding occurred because one of the tunnel's drainage pumps malfunctioned during the downpour, preventing automatic water removal. As a safety precaution, operations were paused until the water was manually cleared and the tracks deemed safe. Service was resumed about an hour later at 12:15 pm after technical and safety clearance.
An earlier incident involved a passenger holding the train door open for too long, causing the doors to jam briefly. This did not significantly disrupt service and was quickly rectified on the spot.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), the operator, emphasized that safety remains the top priority and that the Aerotrain system is still undergoing close monitoring with operational adjustments to ensure reliability. The existing feeder bus service remains available as a backup during this transitional period until the Aerotrain system reaches optimal performance.
It is important to note that the flooding incident was not caused by any weakness in the new Aerotrain system or its inability to withstand heavy rain. The drainage pump that caused the tunnel to accumulate rainwater was part of the airport's legacy facilities, not the new rail system infrastructure.
The two incidents demonstrate the integrity and reliability of the new Aerotrain's safety systems. Netizens commented that a passenger had caused one of the Aerotrain's doors to jam, but this did not affect the overall performance of the system.
In summary, the Aerotrain is currently operational with some minor but promptly addressed technical issues, primarily linked to weather-related challenges. MAHB continues to monitor and improve the system to provide safe and comfortable transit for passengers between KLIA’s terminals. The feeder bus service remains available as a backup during this transitional period.
[1] Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd. (2023). Press Release: Aerotrain Suspension at KLIA Due to Safety Measures. [online] Available at: https://www.malaysiaairports.com.my/media-centre/news/aerotrain-suspension-at-klia-due-to-safety-measures
[2] The Star. (2025). Aerotrain resumes service after two-year hiatus. [online] Available at: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/07/02/aerotrain-resumes-service-after-two-year-hiatus
[3] Bernama. (2025). Malaysia Airports: Aerotrain service suspended due to safety reasons. [online] Available at: https://www.bernama.com/en/business/news.php?id=1991344
[4] Facebook. (2025). Post by Ahmad Ramadzan Soid. [online] Available at: https://www.facebook.com/ahmad.ramadzansoid/posts/10159715982377874
[5] Travel Blog Malaysia. (2025). Aerotrain Resumes Operations at KLIA. [online] Available at: https://travelblogmalaysia.com/aerotrain-resumes-operations-at-klia/
[1] Despite the brief operational disruptions, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) is committed to ensuring the Aerotrain system's safety and reliability, investing in advanced technology to improve its infrastructure.
[2] The upgraded Aerotrain, utilizing Alstom Innovia APM 300R trainsets, showcases Malaysia's focus on modernizing its infrastructure, leveraging advanced technology to enhance travel efficiency.
