Capital A chief refutes report that AirAsia needs govt bailout, calls it ‘irresponsible’

Capital A CEO and AirAsia co-founder Tan Sri Tony Fernandes today refuted a Reuters report that said the company he co-founded needs government help to absorb the budget carrier’s domestic market share. — Picture by Choo Choy May

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Summary

• Tony Fernandes, AirAsia co-founder, disputed a Reuters report claiming his company requires government support for the domestic market.
• He described the report as "irresponsible" and inaccurate about the company's financial status.
• Fernandes asserted the report did not correctly represent the aviation giant's financial condition.

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid

First Published: Friday, 18 Sep 2026 12:23 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 — Capital A CEO and AirAsia co-founder Tan Sri Tony Fernandes today refuted a Reuters report that said the company he co-founded needs government help to absorb the budget carrier’s domestic market share.

Speaking at a media briefing, Fernandes called the report “irresponsible” and that it contained inaccuracies that did not factually reflect the aviation giant’s financial situation.