AirAsia, Capital A shares slide amid reports of possible govt intervention

AirAsia shares fell 21 per cent while shares in Capital A, the former parent of its aviation business, fell 18 per cent amid concerns over AirAsia’s financial health on September 17, 2026. — AFP pic

First Published: Thursday, 17 Sep 2026 5:46 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 — Capital A Bhd and AirAsia Group Bhd emerged among the top three active counters, following reports of potential government intervention in AirAsia’s domestic operations amid concerns over its financial health.

As at 4 pm, AirAsia’s share price fell 13.5 sen, or 21.09 per cent, to 50.5 sen, with 133.84 million shares traded, and Capital A’s share price was five sen, or 18.18 per cent, lower at 22.5 sen, with 118.57 million shares traded.

A foreign wire reported yesterday about growing concerns over AirAsia’s financial pressures as the low-cost airline owes airport operator Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd at least RM500 million.

In a Bernama report yesterday, Batik Air chief executive officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy said the airline can quickly bring in aircraft to absorb or help meet domestic market demand, if required.

AirAsia clarified earlier this month that its planned fundraising exercises, comprising up to US$1 billion (RM4.21 billion) in international debt markets and RM700 million in local credit facilities, are primarily targeted at debt restructuring or refinancing and balance sheet consolidation, rather than purely funding operational shortfalls. — Bernama