KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Bhd said it carried about 18.9 million passengers during the first quarter of 2026, a 9% increase year-on-year (y-o-y), on the back of a surge in domestic demand across its markets.
Over the first three months of 2026, the consolidated air operating certificates (AOC) of the group - AirAsia Malaysia, AirAsia Thailand, AirAsia Indonesia, AirAsia Philippines, AirAsia Cambodia, and AirAsia X
Malaysia - said load factor stood at 85%.
There was double-digit y-o-y growth in both passengers carried and capacity in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.
In international travel, the group said major routes to China from both Malaysia and Thailand performed well, with load factors for these sectors recorded at 85% for the quarter.
"The group continues to leverage its dominant position in the China-Asean travel corridor, capturing consistent demand across key primary and secondary cities," it added.
The group's associate, AirAsia X Thailand, carried 599,198 passengers, representing a 20% increase y-o-y, while recording a one percentage point improvement in load factor to 84%.
In March alone, the consolidated AOCs carried 6.3 million passengers, which represented a 19% y-o-y increase, driven by the festive period.
The load factor during the month increased two percentage points y-o-y to 84%, it said, as it adjusted fares and fuel surcharges to manage escalating fuel costs.
"AirAsia remained the preferred choice for guests prioritising affordable and reliable connectivity during this peak period.
"Furthermore, by positioning its network as a critical alternative for redirected global traffic flows between Europe and Asia, the Group captured a surge in demand on its Central Asia corridors, benefitting from a strong 'fly-thru' effect across the broader Asean network," the group said in a statement.
The consolidated AOCs increased the size of its operating fleet to 203 aircraft, and closed the quarter with a fleet of 240 aircraft. AirAsia X Thaland, meanwhile, maintained its fleet size of 11 aircraft.
AirAsia X group CEO Bo Lingam said the group's revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) growth of 7% surpassed available seat kilometres (ASK) growth of 6%.
He said this demonstrates the success of the group's network optimisation, ensuring capacity is deployed where demand is strongest.
"Crucially, we have seen no significant signs of demand disruption. Our March load factor actually increased y-o-y, as our guests prioritised the value and connectivity we provide during the Raya and Lebaran peak.
"Looking ahead, this momentum has carried into April, with forward bookings remaining firm across our core network. Our priority is to maximise the productivity of our active fleet while keeping our integrated network lean and adaptable.
"By prioritising high-yield corridors and maintaining disciplined cost management, we are prepared to navigate the uncertainties of the months ahead with resilience and agility.”
