Rayani Air, Malaysia’s first halal airline, will be issued a provisional suspension notice on Monday by the Department of Civil Aviation, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
In his Twitter account Sunday, he said Rayani Air had contravened the conditions of its Air Operators Certificate, adding that a full administration and safety audit would be conducted on the airlines.
“DCA will undertake a full administration and safety audit to determine if Rayani is ‘fit’ for AOC after serving provisional suspension,” he said.
Liow also said he was disappointed with the airline’s poor procedures and service level despite being warned by the transport ministry and DCA.
Last week, the airline issued a handwritten boarding pass to a Malaysian MP which sparked security concerns among aviation professionals.
On Saturday, the airline announced that it would suspend operations effective immediately as part of the company’s restructuring plan.
The suspension follows a strike organized by its pilots on Friday which forced the airline to cancel several flights, only three months after the budget airline began operations.
Speaking to reporters, Liow said: “Rayani cannot suspend itself, only DCA can suspend it.”
The minister said DCA could revoke Rayani Air’s license but the airline would be given “a chance to explain”.
