Kuala Lumpur, October 29, 2024 – The Europe Today: AirAsia will introduce a mandatory carbon fee for all passengers beginning January 1, 2025, a move described by Transport Minister Anthony Loke as a crucial step toward enhancing accountability and transparency in the aviation industry as Malaysia ramps up efforts to combat carbon emissions.
Loke addressed the issue in a parliamentary response to Jerantut MP Khairil Nizam Khirudin, who questioned recent amendments to the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code 2016 (MACPC) and the current status of carbon fee collections, which were initially introduced earlier this year.
“The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) has strengthened the MACPC to provide enhanced consumer protection, including the enforcement of carbon levies,” Loke explained. The revised Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code (Amendment) 2024, gazetted on August 30, 2024, and effective from September 1, 2024, includes provisions focused on transparency and accountability within the aviation sector.
Under these amendments, airlines are now required to publish all-inclusive ticket prices that incorporate any carbon fees or additional charges. Furthermore, airlines must disclose the final ticket price, inclusive of all fees, before purchase completion, ensuring that passengers are fully informed of the costs involved.
Loke also highlighted that airlines must refund fuel surcharges, taxes, fees, and government-imposed charges, including carbon fees, where applicable. To uphold transparency, Mavcom will require airlines to report on carbon fee collection and usage.
Currently, Malaysia Airlines has a voluntary carbon fee program in place, which began in June 2023. However, starting January 2025, AirAsia will become the first airline to make this carbon fee mandatory for all passengers. Loke noted that no other airlines have confirmed similar plans at this time.
