30 days on, no refunds yet for some Rayani Air passengers
MalayMailOnline
PETALING JAYA, May 12 — Some Rayani Air passengers have yet to receive refunds over flight cancellations a month after the Shariah-compliant airline was suspended.
Although the company had assured a 30-day money back guarantee, several passengers affected by the suspension told Malay Mail yesterday that they did not receive any refunds. Walk-in customers to Rayani Air’s office yesterday have doubts whether they would receive reimbursements.
Office clerk Faizul Rosli, 29, said he had not received any reimbursement despite waiting for over 30 days.
“When I applied for a refund on April 11, I was told by the Rayani staff I would receive it within 30 days. However, today I am back here again to check on my status,’’ he said.
Faizul said he was forced to change his travel plans to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, for a family vacation.
“I purchased five flight tickets to Kota Kinabalu for my wife and child, and two other relatives to visit our hometown at RM600. Because of its suspension, I had to fork out more money to tickets from another airline. It cost me RM800 for three tickets.
“My wife is more than disappointed. She has been wanting to go back home with her siblings for years now,’’ he said.
On April 11, the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) issued an order provisionally suspending Rayani Air’s operations for three months for contravening conditions of its Air Operators Certificate (AOC).
Sirajul Tagillin, 23, who purchased two tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu, said he was hoping to receive his money back soon.
“A sum of RM230 might sound trivial to some, but it is a large amount to me as I am studying,” he said.
“That’s why I came all the way from Bangi to file my application for refunds. I made sure they get all my details right so that I can receive my refund fast.’’
Student Kharul Ahmad, 24, demanded a refund for four people, as he and his friends had planned a holiday to Kota Baru this month.
“We were quite frustrated with the whole situation and even more worried if we are ever going to receive our money back. We have been looking forward to the trip, but now we have to cancel our plans till we receive our money back,’’ he said.
A spokesman for the airline said the refund process would take 30 days, adding that some customers have successfully received their refunds via either cheque and bank transfer
