{
  "id": 19754112,
  "title": "Govt-AirAsia discussions ongoing, says deputy transport minister",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/govt-airasia-discussions-ongoing-says-deputy-transport-minister",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-13T04:15:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/business/economy/2026/11/1576749/govt-airasia-discussions-ongoing-says-deputy-transport-minister"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah informed Business Times that government discussions with AirAsia Group Bhd are ongoing, though he did not disclose specifics. The Deputy Transport Minister clarified that the talks are still at the discussion level, hence he cannot comment further. He was asked about a financing package or government underwriting of loans, to which he reiterated that it is still under discussion. This follows earlier reports of AirAsia's financial struggles amid soaring jet fuel prices, and the airline's attempts to secure additional funding. The Finance Ministry had previously stated on October 19 that no agreement or commitment had been made to provide financial aid to AirAsia, whether through guarantees, loans, or public fund injections. The ministry emphasized that any such request would be evaluated based on national interests, fiscal sustainability, and public funds protection. Former Transport Minister Anthony Loke also stated on October 27 that a decision on financial support was still under review by the Finance Ministry. AirAsia co-founder and advisor Tan Sri Tony Fernandes previously denied the need for a government bailout, stating that the airline remains financially stable despite higher operating costs. Fernandes told Reuters that discussions with government officials had centered on aviation-related costs, not financial assistance. AirAsia Group Bhd had announced plans in September 2 to raise up to RM4.74 billion to refinance existing debt and enhance its balance sheet, primarily by tapping international debt markets and securing local credit facilities.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: The Transport Ministry and the Finance Ministry are still holding discussions with AirAsia Group Bhd, said Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah.",
  "key_points": [
    "Deputy Transport Minister Hasbi Habibollah says government talks with AirAsia are ongoing.",
    "Talks are at discussion level, no specifics disclosed.",
    "Finance Ministry stated no agreement on aid made on October 19."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The ongoing negotiations signal a cautious approach by officials as they weigh the airline's funding needs against the necessity of protecting public funds and maintaining national fiscal sustainability.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}