AirAsia, one of Asia's leading budget airlines, is facing intense criticism after a passenger's surfboard was severely damaged due to what appears to be mishandling by airline staff. The incident has ignited anger and triggered concerns for passengers.

The controversy erupted when Instagram user @suyinvests took to social media to share images of her shattered surfboard after a recent flight with AirAsia. In a post directed at AirAsia's official accounts, including @airasiasuperapp, @flyairasia, and @flyairasia.id, as well as the CEO, @tonyfernandes, the passenger criticized the airline's "careless and irresponsible handling" of fragile items. 

"I was so excited to try out my new board this surf trip, but that's definitely not happening as my board is completely broken," @suyinvests lamented. Expressing disbelief at the airline's ability to break a supposedly durable fibreglass surfboard, the passenger went on to describe the situation as "completely unacceptable."

The social media outcry intensified as @suyinvests highlighted the lack of an adequate response from AirAsia. Instead of addressing the issue and offering compensation, the airline allegedly advised the passengers to claim the damages through their own travel insurance.

Adding fuel to the fire, another passenger, who goes by the username @tessatimmons_, also expressed their frustration on social media. The post also garnered attention from fellow travellers who shared similar experiences of damaged items, raising questions about the airline's baggage handling procedures.

AirAsia has yet to issue an official statement addressing the recent incidents, leaving passengers eager for a response that acknowledges the issues and outlines steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Do you have any similar experience? Share with us in the comments.