Wednesday, May 21, 2025
As the ASEAN Summit approaches in Kuala Lumpur, significant road closures and traffic diversions will be enforced throughout the city, especially impacting access routes to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (KLIA T2). These measures, scheduled between May twenty-first and May twenty-eighth, 2025, are implemented by the Royal Malaysia Police to facilitate smooth and secure transportation for summit delegates and related events, including dry run exercises.
Passengers intending to travel to or from KLIA T2 during this week-long period are strongly urged to prepare for possible traffic disruptions and adjust their travel plans accordingly. AirAsia, one of the leading low-cost carriers operating extensively at KLIA T2, has issued an advisory highlighting key information about road restrictions and recommended alternatives to ease passenger movement and avoid inconvenience.
Key Road Closures and Diversions
The road network surrounding KLIA T2 will face partial or full closures during the daily window of 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., potentially leading to significant delays for those relying on private vehicles or taxis. Major expressways affected include:
- KLIA Expressway: The primary thoroughfare serving the airport will be intermittently closed or rerouted, affecting direct access to Terminal 2.
- Elite Highway (KLIA-Putrajaya route): A crucial connector for travellers coming from the Putrajaya administrative region will experience diversions.
- New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE): A heavily trafficked artery in the Klang Valley area, known to channel a large volume of airport-bound traffic.
- Guthrie Corridor Expressway: Serving suburban areas north of the airport, this route will also be subject to restrictions.
- PLUS Highway (Sungai Buloh to Jalan Duta stretch): A major highway corridor connecting northern suburbs to central Kuala Lumpur will face closures, indirectly affecting routes to the airport.
- Maju Expressway (MEX): Often used by travellers from Kuala Lumpur city center heading south toward the airport, this expressway will have limited accessibility.
- KL-Seremban Expressway: This expressway, used by many commuters from southern regions, will have diversion points impacting smooth traffic flow.
Given these constraints, road users are advised to anticipate longer journey times and plan for alternative routes when possible. It is vital to allow additional travel time to the airport, especially during peak hours and the enforced closure period.
Public Transport as a Preferred Alternative
To mitigate delays caused by road restrictions, AirAsia strongly recommends that guests use alternative modes of transport, particularly the Express Rail Link (ERL) services such as the KLIA Express and KLIA Transit trains. These rail services offer a reliable, fast, and convenient connection between the city center and KLIA Terminals, unaffected by road traffic conditions.
The ERL provides several advantages for passengers during this period:
- Guaranteed journey times unaffected by road closures or congestion.
- Direct access to both KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
- Frequent departures ensuring flexible scheduling.
Passengers should consider incorporating rail travel into their airport journey plans to ensure timely arrival and reduce stress related to road conditions.
Recommendations for Timely Arrival
To accommodate the possibility of travel delays due to road closures and the high-security environment surrounding the ASEAN Summit, travellers are urged to arrive at KLIA T2 earlier than usual. Recommended arrival times are:
- At least two hours before the scheduled departure time for domestic flights.
- At least three hours before the scheduled departure time for international flights.
These guidelines will allow ample time for passenger check-in, security screening, and other travel formalities, which may take longer than usual due to enhanced security measures during the summit.
Passengers should also be aware that check-in counters at KLIA T2 will close one hour prior to flight departure, so arriving late could result in missed flights.
Leveraging Digital Services for a Smoother Journey
AirAsia encourages passengers to utilize its digital platforms to expedite the check-in and boarding process. The AirAsia MOVE mobile application provides a self check-in feature, which can be accessed starting 14 days up to one hour before the scheduled departure time. Through this app, travellers can:
- Complete the check-in process conveniently from their devices without needing to queue at the airport.
- Obtain an electronic boarding pass (e-Boarding Pass), eliminating the need to print paper tickets.
- Use the e-Boarding Pass to board flights seamlessly at KLIA T2 and all other Malaysian airports served by AirAsia.
- Benefit from global acceptance of the e-Boarding Pass at numerous international airports where AirAsia operates, allowing consistent travel convenience.
By adopting these digital options, passengers reduce their reliance on physical counters, thus speeding up processing times and minimizing contact points.
Summary
The ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in late May 2025 brings extensive security measures and traffic controls affecting major roadways leading to KLIA Terminal 2. Passengers travelling through KLIA T2 during the period from May twenty-first to twenty-eighth should expect road closures and diversions on key expressways from 7:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. daily. To avoid delays and ensure smooth travel, early arrival and the use of alternative rail transport services such as the KLIA Express or KLIA Transit are highly advised.
Passengers are also urged to leverage self check-in services and e-Boarding Pass options via the AirAsia MOVE app for an efficient airport experience. Awareness of check-in counter closure times and adherence to recommended arrival times will be essential to maintaining travel schedules during this high-security event period.
Advance planning and flexibility will be crucial for all travellers passing through KLIA Terminal 2 amid these temporary but significant disruptions caused by the ASEAN Summit and its related activities.
