{
  "id": 8170302,
  "title": "AirAsia's Fernandes says travel demand remains strong, current crisis ‘far’ less severe than Covid",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/airasias-fernandes-says-travel-demand-remains-strong-current-crisis",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-18T04:36:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Business Times - Companies & Markets",
    "slug": "the-business-times-companies-markets",
    "url": "https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/asean/airasias-fernandes-says-travel-demand-remains-strong-current-crisis-far-less-severe-covid"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes stated on September 18 that the financial difficulties faced by the low-cost carrier due to rising jet fuel costs are significantly less severe than during the Covid-19 pandemic. Speaking at a media briefing, Fernandes emphasized that strong demand for air travel continues to support the business. This statement came two days after Reuters reported, based on sources, that Malaysia's government had been discussing with Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air the potential absorption of AirAsia's domestic market share. The sources described this as part of scenario planning while authorities monitor the financial health of the country's largest low-cost carrier. Fernandes revealed that the second quarter was the most challenging period for the airline, and he predicted improving conditions as AirAsia adjusts fares to account for higher fuel costs. The airline has been affected by soaring jet fuel costs caused by the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, which increased by 66% in the second quarter to an average of $183 per barrel.",
  "summary": "This follows reports on Malaysia’s government asking rivals if they can absorb the carrier’s domestic market share",
  "key_points": [
    "AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes says travel demand remains strong",
    "Current crisis 'far' less severe than Covid-19 pandemic",
    "Jet fuel costs increased 66% in second quarter to $183 per barrel"
  ],
  "editors_take": "AirAsia's assertion that current financial difficulties are less severe than during Covid-19 and that travel demand remains strong suggests the airline is positioned to weather rising jet fuel costs.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "CNA - Business",
        "title": "AirAsia's Fernandes says travel demand remains strong, current crisis 'far' less severe than COVID-19",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/airasias-fernandes-says-travel-demand-remains-strong-current-crisis-8170372",
        "published": "2026-09-18T03:53:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Bangkok Post Business",
        "title": "AirAsia's Fernandes says travel demand remains strong, current crisis 'far' less severe than Covid",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/airasias-fernandes-says-travel-demand-remains-strong-current-crisis-8174096",
        "published": "2026-09-18T04:50:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Straits Times Business",
        "title": "AirAsia’s Tony Fernandes says travel demand remains strong, current crisis ‘far’ less severe than Covid-19",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/airasias-tony-fernandes-says-travel-demand-remains-strong-current",
        "published": "2026-09-18T05:05:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Business Recorder",
        "title": "AirAsia's Fernandes says travel demand remains strong, current crisis 'far' less severe than COVID",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/airasias-fernandes-says-travel-demand-remains-strong-current-crisis-8182863",
        "published": "2026-09-18T05:47:08.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}