Tony Fernandes, the CEO of Capital A, has expressed frustration over Singapore’s repeated rejection of AirAsia’s airline license applications. According to Fernandes, the Singaporean authorities have denied AirAsia’s applications three times, prompting claims that the country is aiming to protect its own airlines.
“Three times we had applied for an airline license, three times we were rejected,” Fernandes told Malaysia’s Daily Star newspaper. “We could get other ASEAN countries, but Singapore has blocked us all the time because it protects its airlines.”
AirAsia’s Regional Expansion
Despite setbacks in Singapore, the airline has successfully expanded across several Southeast Asian countries. AirAsia-branded airlines currently hold air operator certificates in Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Earlier this year, reports indicated that Fernandes was also considering establishing airlines in Singapore and Vietnam, signaling continued efforts to grow AirAsia’s presence in the region.
According to the ch-aviation schedules module, three AirAsia carriers—AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia, and Thai AirAsia—already serve multiple routes to and from Singapore. Thai AirAsia flies between Singapore and Bangkok Don Mueang, as well as Singapore and Phuket. Indonesia AirAsia operates flights between Singapore and Denpasar, as well as Singapore and Jakarta. Meanwhile, AirAsia connects Singapore to several Malaysian destinations, including Ipoh, Kota Kinabalu, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, and Kuching. Collectively, these airlines offer more than 40,500 seats weekly to and from Singapore.
Despite the repeated rejections, Fernandes remains determined to pursue a Singaporean airline license. “Don’t block me,” he urged, signaling his intent to keep trying to gain approval from Singaporean authorities.
Fernandes’ comments come as AirAsia continues to strengthen its presence across Asia, despite the obstacles in Singapore. The airline’s commitment to expanding its regional operations reflects its broader goal of becoming a dominant player in the ASEAN aviation market.
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