KUALA LUMPUR, 16 April 2026: AirAsia X Berhad has announced its preliminary operating statistics for the first quarter of 2026, carrying approximately 18.9 million passengers during the quarter, up by 9% year-on-year.
It represents the inaugural consolidated report for the airline group following the successful acquisition of the AirAsia aviation assets, bringing together all AirAsia-branded airlines under a single listed entity.
The performance indicates sustained demand across the network, with passenger growth aligned with a 10% YoY increase in capacity to 22.1 million seats. The Consolidated Air Operating Certificates (AOCs) have now recovered capacity to 98% of pre-pandemic levels, with a robust load factor of 85%.
(The AOCs comprise AirAsia Malaysia, AirAsia Thailand, AirAsia Indonesia, AirAsia Philippines, AirAsia Cambodia, and AirAsia X Malaysia).
A key driver of the performance was the surge in domestic demand, which saw double-digit YoY growth in both passengers carried and capacity across Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. On the international front, the group’s focus on North Asia maintained solid momentum.
Major routes to China from both Malaysia and Thailand performed well, with load factors for these sectors recorded at 85% for the quarter. The group continues to leverage its dominant position in the China-ASEAN travel corridor, capturing consistent demand across key primary and secondary cities.
The group showed remarkable operational agility in March 2026, the first month after heightened geopolitical tensions and rising jet fuel prices.
In March alone, the Consolidated AOCs carried 6.3 million passengers, a 19% YoY increase which surpassed the 15% YoY increase in capacity. Notably, the load factor for March increased by two percentage points YoY to 84%. While the group had strategically adjusted fares and fuel surcharges to manage escalating fuel costs, AirAsia remained the preferred choice for guests prioritising affordable and reliable connectivity during this peak period. Furthermore, by positioning its network as a critical alternative for redirected global traffic flows between Europe and Asia, the group captured a surge in demand on its Central Asia corridors, benefitting from a strong “fly-thru” effect across the broader Asean network.
The group’s associate, AirAsia X Thailand, carried 599,198 passengers during the quarter, representing a 20% YoY increase. The associate recorded a solid load factor of 84%, reflecting a 1 percentage point improvement YoY.
This performance highlights the successful optimisation of the long-haul network following its strategic hub relocation to Don Mueang International Airport in late 2024.
Market demand remained sound across key destinations, supported by the expansion of its operating fleet and increased frequencies to North Asia and India.
The Consolidated AOCs increased the operating fleet by 1 YoY to 203 aircraft, and closed the quarter with a fleet of 240 aircraft. TAAX’s fleet size stood at 11.
AirAsia X, Group CEO Bo Lingam said: “This first quarter of 2026 validates the strength of our consolidated model. Our RPK growth of 7% surpassed ASK growth of 6%, clearly demonstrating the success of our network optimisation, ensuring capacity is deployed where demand is strongest. In response to external fuel price pressures, we moved decisively in March to manage our margins by adjusting fares and fuel surcharges.
Crucially, we have seen no significant signs of demand disruption. Our March load factor actually increased YoY, as our guests prioritised the value and connectivity we provide during the Raya and Lebaran peak. Looking ahead, this momentum has carried into April, with forward bookings remaining firm across our core network. Our priority is to maximise the productivity of our active fleet while keeping our integrated network lean and adaptable. By prioritising high-yield corridors and maintaining disciplined cost management, we are prepared to navigate the uncertainties of the months ahead with resilience and agility.”
First Quarter 2026 Preliminary Operating Statistics
(Source: AirAsia X).
