KUALA LUMPUR, 5 June 2026: AirAsia X (AirAsia Group*) categorically denies recent media reports claiming that the operations of its airline, Philippines AirAsia (flight code: Z2), are being grounded.
“These reports are entirely false and do not reflect the reality of the business or operations of the airline,” the airline group said in a statement released on Wednesday.
“All Z2 flights remain fully operational, with flights and services continuing as scheduled across the group’s network, subject to normal operational considerations such as weather and other standard factors affecting airline operations.”
AirAsia Group said it “views these coordinated and sensationalised reports as part of a deliberate smear campaign that has long been occurring, aimed at undermining fair competition in the Philippine aviation sector.
“Such narratives serve only the interests of those seeking to limit consumer choice and create conditions that could lead to a monopoly in the market. A monopoly benefits no one except the dominant market players. For travellers, it often results in reduced competition, fewer choices and significantly higher airfares.”
AirAsia Group Co-founder and Advisor Tony Fernandes commented: “AirAsia has long championed affordable travel and will continue to stand firmly against any development that harms consumers or restricts access to air connectivity. AirAsia carries almost seven million guests in the Philippines annually, and our commitment to the Philippines is absolute. We are deeply invested in the country, its people and its future. For over a decade, we have played a key role in democratising air travel, making flying affordable, fun and accessible to millions of Filipinos who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to fly. We have removed charges that people don’t want and made travel more flexible by offering ancillary options.
“Looking ahead, we are investing in the development of new airport infrastructure across the country, including in Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) and Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), which will unlock greater growth opportunities, improve connectivity, enhance operational efficiency and enable us to lower costs even further. As we expand our fleet and aircraft orderbook to become the first global low-cost narrowbody network carrier, we intend to deploy more aircraft in our operations in the Philippines. These developments will allow Philippines AirAsia to expand our network, offer even more competitive fares and continue delivering greater value to Filipino travellers.”
*The name change from AirAsia X to AirAsia Group Berhad is subject to shareholder approval at the company’s 19th Annual General Meeting and registration by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM).
(Source: AirAsia X)
