IF you are catching an AirAsia flight on May 2, which low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) will you depart from?

This confusion is due to AirAsia Bhd’s decision to remain in the current LCCT beyond May 9, the day the Transport Ministry plans to shut it down and a week after the opening of klia2 on May 2.

AirAsia says it is staying put due to various concerns, “especially on the functionality, safety and security of klia2” as these are paramount to its staff and passengers. These and other commercial and operational issues could lead to a rise in airport and passenger service charges, it adds.

Note that klia2 has yet to receive its Certificate of Completion and Compliance.

AirAsia also believes that the operational readiness and airport transfer period for the airline could be longer than the two months prescribed by klia2’s operator Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd.

Now, AirAsia is said to be seeking an indemnity against any disruption to its operations at klia2.

Perhaps no one is really surprised at these problems leading up to the opening of klia2. After all, the project has faced many challenges, causing its official opening date to be delayed five times. The budget for klia2 also rose from RM2 billion to just below RM4 billion.

AirAsia is right in being concerned about the safety of its staff and passengers at klia2. However, all parties should work towards resolving the outstanding issues. Operating out of the present LCCT, which is bursting at the seams, is not ideal either and comes with its own set of challenges and issues.

Ultimately, while keeping costs down is key, given that klia2 is catering for budget carriers, the comfort and safety of passengers should be the top priority of all concerned.

This story first appeared in The Edge Malaysia Weekly Edition, on April 7 - April 13, 2014.