AirAsia Changes Schedules and Routes Amid Jet Fuel Pressures, Passengers Affected

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Changes to AirAsia flight schedules and routes have sparked widespread discussion on social media, amid mounting operational cost pressures on the airline due to surging jet fuel prices. This phenomenon reflects operational adjustments by the carrier, which not only affect flight timetables but are also being felt directly by passengers. Several Instagram posts recount passengers’ experiences with sudden schedule changes, such as from 27 April 2026 to 29 April 2026, along with difficulties in securing alternative flights, especially when tickets were purchased through travel agents. Additionally, some passengers have faced route alterations. In their posts, these passengers only learned of the rerouting after checking directly via the airline’s official app, while notifications from online travel agents (OTAs) had not yet been received. These route changes mean that originally direct flights now require a stopover, with varying transit durations among passengers. This situation underscores the importance of passengers independently verifying flight status, particularly when tickets are bought through third parties. For international jet fuel, prices have risen from 0.742 US dollars per litre to 1.338 US dollars per litre. Assuming an exchange rate of Rp 16,500, this equates to approximately Rp 22,077 per litre. Compared to 2019, the increase in domestic jet fuel prices has reached around 295% from Rp 7,970 per litre. Chairman of the Indonesia National Air Carriers Association (INACA), Denon Prawiraatmadja, stated that this rise follows global trends. “As we had anticipated earlier, jet fuel prices will increase in line with global levels due to the impact of the geopolitical crisis in the Middle East,” said Denon on Wednesday (1/3/2026). “Adjustments need to be implemented promptly so that airlines can continue operating while maintaining flight safety and the financial health of the carriers,” Denon explained. In the region, jet fuel prices also show disparities. In the Philippines, they reach Rp 25,326 per litre, while in Indonesia, they are around Rp 23,551 per litre. Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Airlangga Hartarto, assessed that these price differences need to be monitored to prevent exploitation by foreign airlines. If prices are not aligned with global conditions, the disparity could disrupt competition in the national aviation industry. These adjustments have impacted various flights, including delays and cancellations, as measures to ensure all operations meet applicable safety standards. Indonesia AirAsia has also expressed apologies for the inconvenience experienced by passengers, particularly during an important travel period for the public. Acting President Director of Indonesia AirAsia, Capt. Achmad Sadikin, emphasised that safety remains the top priority. “We understand the importance of the homecoming moment for the public. However, safety cannot be compromised, and every step we take aims to ensure all flights operate safely,” said Capt. Achmad Sadikin, quoted by Kompas.com on Monday (6/4/2026).