KLIA Aerotrain Begins Trial Runs, Nightly Shutdown Remains

Malaysia Airports is moving into the next phase of fixing the long-troubled KLIA Aerotrain, with trial operations set to begin this month as part of a wider effort to restore confidence in the system.

The trials form a key part of a month-long comprehensive action plan that started on Nov 15, after repeated disruptions following the Aerotrain’s relaunch. 

Despite undergoing a RM456 million upgrade and being suspended for two years, the train system recorded 19 service disruptions between July and Sept.

Malaysia Airports had earlier explained that the issues stemmed from integration problems between the new trains and older infrastructure, along with power supply trips and signalling glitches.

In an update today, the airport operator said the first two stages of the action plan have been completed, covering detailed inspections, repair works and simulation testing. 

"The Aerotrain will now move into Stage 3 trial operations, where it will be tested under various real-life operating conditions through the end of Dec," it confirmed in a Bernama report.

To ensure transparency and rebuild public trust, two independent assessors namely Alstom and IJMC-Pestech are overseeing the entire process. 

Their consolidated assessment reports are expected to be ready by mid-Jan 2026, with Malaysia Airports saying the next official update on the Aerotrain will also be shared around the same time.

In the meantime, the Aerotrain will continue operating during daytime hours, while the previously announced nightly shutdowns from 9PM to 7AM remain in place. 

During these hours, full shuttle bus services will continue to ferry passengers between the main terminal and the satellite building to ensure smooth airport operations.

"The comprehensive action plan is being carried out with the full involvement of its technical partners and independent experts

"The current trials are crucial to confirming whether the corrective measures taken are effective before the system can return to full, reliable service," the firm concluded.