Flight delays are inevitable but necessary for safety - Expert
A seasoned aviation safety expert explained that flight delays are often unavoidable and typically caused by technical issues or crew-related concerns.
SHAH ALAM - A former Department of Civil Aviation Malaysia (DCA) flight operations director has urged passengers to be more understanding and patient when faced with flight delays, stressing that aviation safety always takes precedence over convenience.
In an exclusive interview, Datuk Yahaya Abdul Rahman, a seasoned aviation safety expert and explained that flight delays are often unavoidable and typically caused by technical issues or crew-related concerns.
While passengers may feel frustrated, he emphasised that these delays are essential for ensuring the safety of everyone on board.
"As a passenger myself, I understand the impatience that comes with flight delays. It can be inconvenient, especially if you have appointments to catch.
"But always remember, there is always a reason behind a delay —sometimes it's due to technical issues. So, let the crew sort it out first," the former DCA top man which is now known as the Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia (CAAM) said during a recent Fireside Chat with Sinar Daily.
Yahaya, who also served as the former Air Accident Investigation Bureau Head at the Transport Ministry, highlighted the critical responsibility of pilots and crew to ensure the aircraft is safe to fly.
He stressed that rushing to fly without addressing technical issues can pose significant risks.
He also stated that while passengers often feel frustrated by delays, particularly when the reasons are not clearly communicated, they must understand that safety is the ultimate priority.
Although airlines may not always disclose specific details for operational or security reasons, the goal is always to ensure a safe flight.
"Sometimes, airlines may not explain the reasons behind a delay. Passengers should remember that the priority is safety. However, if there are frequent delays, this may point to deeper issues within the airline’s management, and they must take responsibility.
“It’s not always that simple. When an airline decides to delay a flight, they may have other factors to address.
"Let them handle it and when the aircraft is ready, we can board. But if this happens frequently, the airline management must step up.
Occasionally, delays happen due to technicalities, such as when a pilot becomes ill and needs to be replaced. The airline may not always disclose this openly," he added.
Yahaya emphasised that safety should be the top consideration when choosing an airline.
Both passengers and crew should evaluate airlines based on their safety records, not just ticket prices.
He described that pilots and crew assess risks thoroughly, categorising them as green (safe), yellow (caution), or red (unsafe).
If the risk is deemed "red," the flight will not proceed, ensuring that flying remains one of the safest modes of travel.
While flight delays can disrupt plans, Yahaya said that they are often necessary to ensure everyone's safety.
Patience from passengers, combined with responsible and transparent actions from airlines, can create a smoother travel experience for all.
"Always prioritise safety when traveling, and trust that thorough checks and procedures are in place to make air travel as secure as possible," he said.
