Malaysia bans Rayani Air from flying

​ Malaysia’s Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) on Monday (Jun 13) said it revoked Rayani Air’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) following a safety audit.

The country’s only Islamic-compliant airline had been suspended for three months pending an inquiry in April after it had failed to adhere to aviation regulations.

But following a safety audit of the airline’s state of operations, the DCA issued a statement on Monday announcing its decision to revoke the AOC after a “thorough deliberation” on Rayani Air’s response towards the inquiry.

"To this end, Rayani Air is required to return the AOC to the Director General of DCA within 14 days from the date of notice of revocation," said the statement.

“The DCA and the Ministry of Transport is working closely with the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) in this matter as safety and security of the aviation industry is of paramount importance.”

In a separate statement, MAVCOM said the Rayani Air can no longer operate as a commercial account with effect from Monday.

“Rayani Air had breached the conditions of its Air Service Licence (ASL) and lacks the financial and management capacity to continue operating as a commercial airline,” said MAVCOM.

“MAVCOM issued a show cause letter to Rayani Air on May 25, 2016 following completion of an evaluation of Rayani Air’s commercial standing and capabilities to determine its ability to continue as an ASL holder.

“In the show cause letter, MAVCOM had required the airline to submit its representation in writing within 14 days before the Commission decides on whether Rayani Air should be allowed to continue to hold the ASL or whether it should be revoked, or suspended.

"Rayani Air submitted its representation in writing to MAVCOM on the last day of the stipulated time. After reviewing Rayani Air’s written representation, MAVCOM has decided to revoke the ASL as the representations made by Rayani Air are not satisfactory responses to the show cause letter dated May 25, 2016."

The airline was launched in December 2015 with two Boeing 737-400s and adhered to Islamic law; Muslim flight crew donned the hijab while non-Muslim crew were forbidden from wearing revealing clothing on board the airline. Alcohol was forbidden and halal in-flight meals were served.

Prior to its suspension in April, the carrier had drawn increasing criticism from passengers and the government due to last-minute delays and cancellations as pilots went on strike.