Thai AirAsia does U-turn on purchase of budget carrier Nok Air

Deal dropped after antitrust warning against combined 50% market share

AirAsia plane

A Thai AirAsia Airbus A320 plane prepares for takeoff at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok. © Reuters

APORNRATH PHOONPHONGPHIPHAT, Nikkei staff writer

BANGKOK -- Thai AirAsia, a local affiliate of Malaysian budget airline AirAsia, has withdrawn from discussions to buy smaller rival Nok Air, reversing course just a week after announcing the talks.

Santhat Sanguandikul, AirAsia's chief financial officer, said Wednesday "the company shall not proceed further on this matter."

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.