Europe-bound flights on Monday are cancelled: MAS

Malaysia Airlines' (MAS) flights to Europe on Monday have been cancelled due to the Icelandic volcano ash cloud over the continent.

In a statement here Sunday, the national carrier said the flights affected were as follows:

From Kuala Lumpur to:

* London (MH4) scheduled to depart at 10.05am

* London (MH2) scheduled to depart at 11.40pm

* Amsterdam (MH16) scheduled to depart at 11.55pm

* Paris (MH20) scheduled to depart at 11.35pm

* Frankfurt (MH6) scheduled to depart at 11.50pm

To Kuala Lumpur from:

* London (MH3) scheduled to depart at 12.00 noon

* London (MH1) scheduled to depart at 10.00pm

* Amsterdam (MH17) scheduled to depart at 12.00 noon

* Paris (MH21) scheduled to depart at 12.00 noon

* Frankfurt (MH5) scheduled to depart at 12.30pm However, according to the statement, MAS flight to Rome on Sunday night will proceed as scheduled at 11.45pm.

"As airports in Rome are currently still open, Malaysia Airlines is providing stranded customers with the option to change their original destination to fly into Rome instead, subject to seat availability.

"However, passengers will be responsible for onward travel to their final destination," the statement said.

Customers are urged to check the status of their flights before going to the airport on www.malaysiaairlines.com under the tab 'Book/Flight status' or contact MAS' call center 1300-88-3000 (within Malaysia) and 603-7843 3000 (outside Malaysia).

Those with mobile phones are encouraged to register their numbers with the airline for ease of notification via SMS. The statement said passengers on the affected flights will be given three options get a full refund, exchange tickets for future flights or re-book on the next available flight which can be done at MAS' ticketing or reservations offices. "Transit passengers can claim for unutilised portions of travel from MAS ticket offices upon returning to their original destination," it said.

Passengers can make travel date changes by April 22, 2010 and the travel period can be deferred until May 31, 2010. Claim for refunds are to be made by April 22, 2010.

MAS also said the situation was being closely monitored and the airline was keeping in touch with the authorities in the affected areas.

"Once the airports are re-opened, the flight schedules will be reinstated and normalised," it added. - Bernama