Kuala Lumpur, Aug. 18 – AirAsia Group Berhad recorded a net loss of RM527.16 million for the second quarter ended 30 June 2026, primarily driven by elevated jet fuel costs and foreign exchange pressures. Revenue reached RM5.09 billion during the period, reflecting resilient demand management amid an 11 percent capacity reduction. Average jet fuel prices surged to US$183 per barrel, causing fuel expenses to rise 58 percent year-on-year and totaling RM2.80 billion, largely due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. A net foreign exchange loss of RM330.97 million further impacted results as regional currencies depreciated against the US dollar.
Operational metrics showed the airline carried 14.16 million passengers on 17.81 million available seats, achieving an 80 percent load factor. Revenue per available seat kilometre increased 11 percent year-on-year to 21.28 sen through dynamic pricing and fuel surcharges. Non-fuel unit costs declined, supporting positive EBITDA of RM442.6 million despite the challenging environment.
In response, AirAsia Group plans to cut seat capacity by 20 to 25 percent year-on-year in the third quarter, historically a softer travel period, before restoring levels in the fourth quarter to capture year-end demand. The group will also return 25 older aircraft to lessors in 2026 to lower lease expenses.
These measures aim to strengthen unit economics as fuel prices moderate, positioning AirAsia Group for improved performance across its ASEAN network while prioritising high-yield routes and fleet efficiency in the competitive aviation sector.