KUALA LUMPUR: Airlines feel "pretty powerless” at present amid escalating geopolitical tensions and volatile fuel prices, with little visibility on how the unfolding West Asia conflict will affect the aviation industry, said Tan Sri Tony Fernandes. Despite the challenging environment, Fernandes emphasised that AirAsia remains resilient and fundamentally strong enough to weather the situation. No matter what life throws at us - COVID-19, SARS, two wars - AirAsia is ready and fundamentally strong to weather this temporary storm,” he said. According to news reports, some 27,000 flights to West Asia have been cancelled since the conflict began, affecting thousands of passengers. Following the conflict, airlines in Asia are reviewing fares and operational plans as rising jet fuel prices linked to escalating tensions in West Asia begin to ripple across the aviation industry, with some carriers already introducing fuel surcharge adjustments.

Source: The Star March 12, 2026 12:54 UTC