KUALA LUMPUR – Macau and Shenzhen are feeling the impact of protests in Hong Kong as demand for flights to both places is falling, according to Tony Fernandes, the founder of low-cost carrier AirAsia Group.
“It is bad,” Fernandes said in an interview at AirAsia’s headquarters near Kuala Lumpur last week. He noted that customarily many travelers look to visit the three cities in one trip.
The Malaysian government issued an advisory early this month warning citizens from non-essential travel to affected parts of Hong Kong after an escalation in violent protests led to transport disruptions and the closing of schools. Tourist numbers to Hong Kong have slumped, hurting businesses from retailers to airlines, including flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways.
