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AirAsia

The latest news and top stories on AirAsia. A Malaysian low-cost airline and a subsidiary of Capital A, AirAsia is headquartered near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with its main hub at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2. It is the largest airline in Malaysia by fleet size and destinations, operating scheduled domestic and international flights to over 166 destinations across 25 countries. AirAsia primarily targets budget-conscious travellers, including young adults, students and families, with a focus on affordability and accessibility. Notable achievements include being named the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline by Skytrax for 15 consecutive years.

Singapore

AirAsia chief mocks Singapore Airlines’ food – and social media hits back

Tony Fernandes claimed AirAsia’s in-flight meals beat Singapore Airlines’, but travellers tell him to concentrate on fixing flight delays.

2 Oct 2026 - 5:59PM

Malaysia

Bail out or downsize? Malaysia’s stark choice as AirAsia losses mount

18 Sep 2026 - 3:13PM

China travel

China’s aviation regulator steps up safety communication with foreign carriers

11 Aug 2026 - 8:30AMvideocam

Aviation

Will Jetstar’s plan to charge for overhead locker space work in Asia-Pacific?

Analysts say the move, an ‘extreme’ form of unbundling, risks backlash and added fare complexity.

6 Aug 2026 - 10:52PM

A Jetstar passenger jet prepares to take off from Sydney Airport on July 21. Photo: AP

A passenger stores a bag in the overhead locker during a flight. Photo: Shutterstock

Bonds

Hong Kong’s Asean charm offensive bags US$1.5 billion Malaysian bond listing

Dual listing on Bursa Malaysia and HKEX comes as Hong Kong officials further expand financial ties beyond mainland China.

28 Jul 2026 - 4:00PM

Malaysia

Durians, hidden gems form Malaysia’s new pitch to South Koreans

Last year, about 558,000 South Koreans visited Malaysia, making it the country’s eighth-largest source market for international visitors.

20 Jul 2026 - 9:54AM

Hong Kong tourism

Short-haul arrivals fall 15% in June amid strong Hong Kong dollar, fewer flights

City receives 3.72 million visitors last month, driven largely by 10 per cent rise in mainland Chinese arrivals to 2.88 million.

16 Jul 2026 - 6:29PM

Tourists visit the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui on July 1, the city’s handover anniversary day. Photo: Jelly Tse

A group of mainland Chinese tourists gather along the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade on June 9. Photo: Jelly Tse

Mainland tourists pose for photos at Kowloon Park on on May 1, the first day of China’s five-day ‘golden week’ Labour Day holiday. Photo: Jelly Tse

China airliners

China’s C919 on Malaysia Airlines’ radar, but Western certification preferred

Opportunities for Comac’s C919 will increase with certification by Western aviation regulators, a Malaysia Aviation Group executive says.

13 Jul 2026 - 11:00AM

US, Israel war on Iran

Asian airfares look set to fall as jet fuel prices ease on US-Iran deal

Budget carriers will lead the charge but the pace is likely to be gradual as airlines wait for more clarity on the Iran war, experts say.

25 Jun 2026 - 3:40PMvideocam

The Philippines

AirAsia denies Philippine flight grounding claims, slams ‘smear campaign’

The company said the narratives were aimed at limiting competition and consumer choice in the Philippines.

4 Jun 2026 - 3:15PM

AirAsia said the company’s “commitment to the Philippines is absolute”. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong transport

What to eat and buy at Hong Kong airport’s revamped Terminal 2

Passengers and visitors will find 25 shopping and dining options, including McDonald’s, Nap Tea and Imperial Patisserie.

24 May 2026 - 5:16PMvideocam

The revamped Terminal 2 at Hong Kong International Airport. Photo: Edmond So

Hong Kong transport

What do travellers need to know when Hong Kong airport’s Terminal 2 opens?

Several airlines, including HK Express, are set to relocate their check-in operations to the second terminal between May 27 and June 10.

16 May 2026 - 7:13PM

Malaysia

‘Why waste a crisis?’: AirAsia to launch new airline, defying high oil costs

‘We can’t control what happens in the Middle East, but we have to take a view that it’s not going to last for two years,’ CEO Tony Fernandes says.

7 May 2026 - 5:28PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

No quick fix for Asian airlines even if Iran reopens Hormuz: IATA chief

While crude oil is likely to be cheaper after the US-Iran ceasefire, jet fuel costs will stay high for the short haul, IATA’s Walsh says.

8 Apr 2026 - 3:26PMvideocam

A truck carrying aviation fuel is pictured next to a Scoot plane at Singapore Changi Airport on March 13. Photo: AFP

Malaysia

AirAsia X hikes fares by 40%, cuts capacity by 10% as Iran war impacts fuel

Founder Tony Fernandes said the higher prices were ‘unavoidable’ after the average cost of jet fuel more than doubled to US$200 per barrel.

6 Apr 2026 - 4:47PM

AirAsia planes are parked on the tarmac at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong society

Hongkonger forks out HK$11,000 to flee Dubai after 8 failed attempts

Shirley Sung secured flight to Kuala Lumpur for HK$6,000, spent HK$2,000 in hotel fees for two nights, before catching an AirAsia flight to Hong Kong for HK$3,000.

9 Mar 2026 - 10:50AM

Singapore

Singapore begins ban on ‘undesirable’ visitors, airlines to comply or face fine

Among such visitors barred from entering are those with a criminal record in Singapore or who pose a threat to public safety.

2 Feb 2026 - 3:48PMvideocam

Airbus

AirAsia boss says ‘bizarre’ Airbus glitch a ‘good warning’ to industry

Tony Fernandes urged planemakers to test software properly and not to ‘rush’ amid the pressure to meet delivery and revenue targets.

2 Dec 2025 - 2:55PMvideocam

AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes. Photo: Reuters

Family offices

Hong Kong leader John Lee to speak at family business summit

Third annual event curated by the Post and Blue Pool Capital, presented by UBS, features speakers from governments to Wall Street to the NBA.

7 Nov 2025 - 7:54AM

Locals' Guide

Insiders’ guide to Lombok and the Gilis, where island life meets quiet beaches

Lombok offers plenty to satisfy jaded Bali goers – from the turquoise waters of Meno to exquisite cocktails in Selong Belanak Bay.

16 Oct 2025 - 12:00PM

Hong Kong stock market

Exclusive | Hong Kong market’s connector role not just for mainland China: Citic boss

The city’s advantages position it to attract top-tier companies from India, Southeast Asia, Australia, Japan and Singapore, Li Chunbo says.

8 Oct 2025 - 11:12AM

Li Chunbo, chairman and CEO of Citic Securities International. Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

SCMP Highlights

Malaysian mall risks boycott, Thailand’s Thaksin imprisoned: 7 Asia highlights

From Thaksin’s fall from grace to Nepal’s historic new interim prime minister, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

16 Sep 2025 - 12:15PM

Malaysians have decried Suria KLCC for refusing to allow in visitors with the Palestinian flag. Photo: Instagram/suriaklccmall

SCMP Highlights

Rocket Force probe, China’s record-smashing mega bridge: SCMP daily highlights

From China’s Rocket Force banning nearly 200 partnerships to opening of world’s longest cable-stayed bridge, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

11 Sep 2025 - 9:15PM

Malaysia

Malaysia calls on China to push C919 jet globally as AirAsia circles deal

Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke said purchases by foreign airlines would boost confidence in the Comac-manufactured planes.

11 Sep 2025 - 7:30PM

China airliners

AirAsia eyes deal for C919 passenger jet, in bid to tap China-Asean market

If the deal is struck, it would mark the first overseas order for the Chinese passenger jet.

11 Sep 2025 - 9:45AMvideocam

The C919, China’s first domestically developed narrowbody passenger jet. Photo: SCMP

Malaysia

Can Malaysia become Southeast Asia’s top aircraft maintenance hub?

Industry leaders warn Malaysia must urgently scale up capacity if it wants to challenge Singapore’s dominance in the aviation support sector.

10 Sep 2025 - 7:42PM

AirAsia planes are pictured on the tarmac at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang. Photo: AFP

South Korea

AirAsia blames bad weather after flight lands at wrong South Korean airport

Incheon-bound flight D7 506 landed at Gimpo airport on Wednesday, leaving passengers confused.

15 Aug 2025 - 4:06PM

Hong Kong transport

AirAsia plans Hong Kong connectivity expansion and potential stock market listing

Parent company, Capital A, wants to tap into city’s position as a major financial hub to attract new investors, carrier’s executive says.

10 Aug 2025 - 9:00AM

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AirAsia

AirAsia chief mocks Singapore Airlines’ food – and social media hits back

Tony Fernandes claimed AirAsia’s in-flight meals beat Singapore Airlines’, but travellers tell him to concentrate on fixing flight delays.

Bail out or downsize? Malaysia’s stark choice as AirAsia losses mount

China’s aviation regulator steps up safety communication with foreign carriers

Will Jetstar’s plan to charge for overhead locker space work in Asia-Pacific?

Analysts say the move, an ‘extreme’ form of unbundling, risks backlash and added fare complexity.

Hong Kong’s Asean charm offensive bags US$1.5 billion Malaysian bond listing

Dual listing on Bursa Malaysia and HKEX comes as Hong Kong officials further expand financial ties beyond mainland China.

Durians, hidden gems form Malaysia’s new pitch to South Koreans

Last year, about 558,000 South Koreans visited Malaysia, making it the country’s eighth-largest source market for international visitors.

Short-haul arrivals fall 15% in June amid strong Hong Kong dollar, fewer flights

City receives 3.72 million visitors last month, driven largely by 10 per cent rise in mainland Chinese arrivals to 2.88 million.

China’s C919 on Malaysia Airlines’ radar, but Western certification preferred

Opportunities for Comac’s C919 will increase with certification by Western aviation regulators, a Malaysia Aviation Group executive says.

Asian airfares look set to fall as jet fuel prices ease on US-Iran deal

Budget carriers will lead the charge but the pace is likely to be gradual as airlines wait for more clarity on the Iran war, experts say.

AirAsia denies Philippine flight grounding claims, slams ‘smear campaign’

The company said the narratives were aimed at limiting competition and consumer choice in the Philippines.

What to eat and buy at Hong Kong airport’s revamped Terminal 2

Passengers and visitors will find 25 shopping and dining options, including McDonald’s, Nap Tea and Imperial Patisserie.

What do travellers need to know when Hong Kong airport’s Terminal 2 opens?

Several airlines, including HK Express, are set to relocate their check-in operations to the second terminal between May 27 and June 10.

‘Why waste a crisis?’: AirAsia to launch new airline, defying high oil costs

‘We can’t control what happens in the Middle East, but we have to take a view that it’s not going to last for two years,’ CEO Tony Fernandes says.

No quick fix for Asian airlines even if Iran reopens Hormuz: IATA chief

While crude oil is likely to be cheaper after the US-Iran ceasefire, jet fuel costs will stay high for the short haul, IATA’s Walsh says.

AirAsia X hikes fares by 40%, cuts capacity by 10% as Iran war impacts fuel

Founder Tony Fernandes said the higher prices were ‘unavoidable’ after the average cost of jet fuel more than doubled to US$200 per barrel.

Hongkonger forks out HK$11,000 to flee Dubai after 8 failed attempts

Shirley Sung secured flight to Kuala Lumpur for HK$6,000, spent HK$2,000 in hotel fees for two nights, before catching an AirAsia flight to Hong Kong for HK$3,000.

Singapore begins ban on ‘undesirable’ visitors, airlines to comply or face fine

Among such visitors barred from entering are those with a criminal record in Singapore or who pose a threat to public safety.

AirAsia boss says ‘bizarre’ Airbus glitch a ‘good warning’ to industry

Tony Fernandes urged planemakers to test software properly and not to ‘rush’ amid the pressure to meet delivery and revenue targets.

Hong Kong leader John Lee to speak at family business summit

Third annual event curated by the Post and Blue Pool Capital, presented by UBS, features speakers from governments to Wall Street to the NBA.

Insiders’ guide to Lombok and the Gilis, where island life meets quiet beaches

Lombok offers plenty to satisfy jaded Bali goers – from the turquoise waters of Meno to exquisite cocktails in Selong Belanak Bay.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Exclusive | Hong Kong market’s connector role not just for mainland China: Citic boss

The city’s advantages position it to attract top-tier companies from India, Southeast Asia, Australia, Japan and Singapore, Li Chunbo says.

Malaysian mall risks boycott, Thailand’s Thaksin imprisoned: 7 Asia highlights

From Thaksin’s fall from grace to Nepal’s historic new interim prime minister, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Rocket Force probe, China’s record-smashing mega bridge: SCMP daily highlights

From China’s Rocket Force banning nearly 200 partnerships to opening of world’s longest cable-stayed bridge, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

Malaysia calls on China to push C919 jet globally as AirAsia circles deal

Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke said purchases by foreign airlines would boost confidence in the Comac-manufactured planes.

AirAsia eyes deal for C919 passenger jet, in bid to tap China-Asean market

If the deal is struck, it would mark the first overseas order for the Chinese passenger jet.

Can Malaysia become Southeast Asia’s top aircraft maintenance hub?

Industry leaders warn Malaysia must urgently scale up capacity if it wants to challenge Singapore’s dominance in the aviation support sector.

AirAsia blames bad weather after flight lands at wrong South Korean airport

Incheon-bound flight D7 506 landed at Gimpo airport on Wednesday, leaving passengers confused.

AirAsia plans Hong Kong connectivity expansion and potential stock market listing

Parent company, Capital A, wants to tap into city’s position as a major financial hub to attract new investors, carrier’s executive says.

Exclusive | Hong Kong market’s connector role not just for mainland China: Citic boss