AirAsia Japan files for bankruptcy, leaving 23,000 flyers without refunds

Budget carrier becomes Japanese skies' first casualty of the pandemic

20201117N AirAsia Japan

The coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on AirAsia Japan's business. (Photo courtesy of AirAsia Japan)

KAZUHIRO NOGUCHI, Nikkei staff writer

NAGOYA -- AirAsia Japan filed for bankruptcy proceedings in the Tokyo District Court on Tuesday with about 21.7 billion yen ($208 million) in liabilities, becoming the first airline to fail in the country during the COVID-19 era.

The move comes after the budget carrier's Malaysian parent, AirAsia, cut off aid to the Japanese joint venture amid a global downturn in air travel.

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