# Capital A CEO denies AirAsia needs government bailout

> AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes calls Reuters report 'irresponsible' after denying government bailout claims
- Title: Capital A CEO denies AirAsia needs government bailout
- Summary: AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes calls Reuters report 'irresponsible' after denying government bailout claims AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes says company…
- Keywords: airasia, capital a, tony fernandes, malaysia, reuters, government bailout, aviation, budget airline, news, world, Capital, CEO
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/money/2026/09/18/capital-a-chief-refutes-report-that-airasia-needs-govt-help-calls-it-irresponsible/235633
- Author: Syed Jaymal Zahiid
- Published: 2026-09-18T12:23:57+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: airasia, capital a, tony fernandes, malaysia, reuters, government bailout, aviation, budget airline, news, world
## AirAsia co-founder refutes bailout claims
Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes denied reports AirAsia needs government help to absorb domestic market share.

> Nothing, nothing, we are not getting (anything) from the government
## Calls report 'irresponsible'
Fernandes described Reuters' claims as inaccurate and 'irresponsible' for AirAsia's financial situation.

> My top sources said no such conversations happen... kill it (the story) already
## No government support needed
AirAsia has been servicing debt on time without government assistance since the pandemic.

> We do not need rescuing or bailouts whatsoever
## Financial results
AirAsia reported a net loss of RM831 million for Q2 2026 due to rising jet fuel costs and foreign exchange losses.
## Restructuring efforts
The company has cut underperforming routes and returned 25 older aircraft to lessors to reduce costs.
## Oil crisis response
Fernandes says selling Airbus A321 Neo planes is due to oil supply crisis, not financial strain.
## Key takeaway

AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes says company doesn't need government help to survive, calling reports of financial distress 'irresponsible'.