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Kota Kinabalu: Four morning flights from the Labuan Airport to Kota Kinabalu and Miri, Sarawak were delayed, Friday, after a milling machine broke down on the runway. 

The three-hour temporary runway closure from 7am to 10am impacted flights MH3220 and MH3221 to Miri, and MH3042 and MH3041 to Kota Kinabalu. 

Labuan Airport Manager Mohd Zuraffly Mohd Zuki said the contractor for scheduled resurfacing maintenance works was unable to remove it before flight operations began at 7am.

“Maintenance works follow a three-time weekly basis from 11pm to 4am depending on weather conditions.

“Notices to airmen were issued for temporary closure to allow the removal of the affected milling machine.

“It was safely removed and the runway reopened for operations by 9.45am on the same day,” he said when contacted.

He added that MH3220 and MH3042 safely departed while MH3041 and MH3221 flights were rescheduled to depart in the evening.

“Passengers were provided with meals while they waited,” he assured.