AirAsia Japan Files For Bankruptcy; Refund Process To Start In April 2021

AirAsia Japan (AAJ) has officially filed for bankruptcy with the Tokyo District Court after ceasing its operations last month.

AirAsia Berhad addressed the news regarding the Japanese unit of the Malaysian low-cost airline through a Bursa Malaysia’s announcement recently.

According to AirAsia’s FAQ posted on its website (as per Lowyat), the bankruptcy filing only affects flights operated by AAJ (DJ flight numbers). While the flights from Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines to Japan will resume once the travelling bans are lifted.

Not only that, AAJ is now no longer able to settle any outstanding refunds, considering the airline’s current financial situation. Therefore, all purchased tickets will be converted to credit account by the end of this month, which will be valid for two years. It can also be used to acquire flights as well as additional services offered by AirAsia.

The local portal also reported that customers can still apply for refunds if they insist on doing so. Having said that, they might have to wait quite a while as the refund process is expected to begin only in April 2021.

Back on 5th October, AirAsia group announced that its board members have decided to immediately shut down AAJ operations to ease the financial burden, amid the ailing operating situation in Japan due to the spike in Covid-19 cases globally.

Sources: Lowyat, Harian Metro.