PUTRAJAYA: The Transport Ministry has not held any meetings with AirAsia representatives in the past two to three weeks, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said, amid reports of discussions between the budget carrier and the government over possible financial assistance.
He said airlines regularly engaged with the government, but any recent discussions involving AirAsia may have taken place with the Finance Ministry.
“As far as the Transport Ministry is concerned, they may have had discussions with the Finance Ministry. Airlines do hold regular meetings with the government.
“However, in the past two to three weeks, there have been no meetings with AirAsia representatives,” he told a press conference at the Transport Ministry today.
His remarks came after media reports that AirAsia co-founder Tan Sri Tony Fernandes had recently met government officials amid reports of discussions over possible financial support for the airline’s fundraising efforts.
Fernandes, however, denied seeking government financial assistance, saying the discussions focused on rising operating costs, including fuel prices and airport charges.
The airline has been facing financial pressure after reporting a RM831 million net loss in the second quarter of 2026, partly attributed to higher jet fuel prices.