KLIA Aerotrain back on track with speedy 3-min rides — final safety checks before open to public

After more than 2 years of waiting, the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Aerotrain is finally set to resume operations. It is currently undergoing final test runs to ensure it meets the highest safety standards before welcoming passengers once again. 

Back in Jan 2025, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) Managing Director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani announced that the aerotrain was expected to be operational by the 2nd quarter of the year.

On 5 June 2025, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, during the launching of the Selangor Aero Park in Sepang, hinted that the media would soon be invited for an exclusive first look at the new trains.

If you’ve travelled through KLIA, you’ll know how inconvenient it’s been relying on shuttle buses to move between terminals — especially for families with young children. 

The self-driving trains promise a more efficient experience, with the capacity to carry more passengers and significantly reduce waiting times. The ride between the main terminal and the satellite building is expected to take just 3 minutes.

MAHB has confirmed that the new system is undergoing final safety inspections, which include 80 types of tests such as emergency stops, fault detection, and system responsiveness.

It was previously reported that the final testing phase would require the first aerotrain to complete 2km without failure, while the other two trains must each complete 1km. This rigorous process comes after years of multiple breakdowns.

The original KLIA Aerotrain, introduced in 1998, had long been plagued by technical issues. Operations were suspended in 2023 following a string of malfunctions. 

On 27 Feb 2023, one train stalled midway between the main terminal and the satellite building. A second train sent for damage control also broke down, forcing passengers to walk the rest of the way. 

Just days later, on 1 Mar, another breakdown left 114 passengers stranded, prompting MAHB to suspend the service indefinitely starting 2 Mar 2023.

While many had joked about yet another delay, recent updates from KLIA’s official social media accounts suggest that the long-awaited relaunch is indeed imminent. Fellow travellers, it looks like smoother rides between KLIA terminals are finally on the horizon.

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