A travel blogger recently took to social media for help after a long-planned Southeast Asia trip was disrupted by a sudden AirAsia flight cancellation. The traveler asked whether it would be possible to rebook another flight during the same period free of charge.
In the comments section, a wave of users said their flights during China’s May Day holiday had also been canceled.
Regarding the recent wave of cancellations, an industry insider close to Thai AirAsia ground operations said the airline had implemented large-scale capacity cuts to cope with soaring fuel prices and contain operating costs.
Amid tensions in the Middle East, global jet fuel prices surged from USD 90 to USD 200 per barrel, dealing a heavy blow to AirAsia X.
According to foreign media reports, AirAsia had not previously implemented fuel hedging, leaving it exposed to further price volatility in the coming months before supply conditions stabilize.
To ease the pressure, the airline has rolled out a series of aggressive measures:
Airfares have risen by up to 40%, fuel surcharges are up 20%, 10% of flights were cut immediately after Eid al-Fitr, unprofitable routes are being suspended, and even aircraft scheduling and maintenance plans are being adjusted or delayed to save costs.
