AirAsia X (D7, Kuala Lumpur International) has announced it will defend itself in the court against a lawsuit made by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), the operator of most of the Malaysian airports, regarding the alleged debts incurred by the low-cost long-haul carrier.

MAHB filed a lawsuit at the end of April, accusing AirAsia X of incurring a MYR34.88 million ringgit (USD8.85 million) debt consisting of MYR33.42 million ringgit in outstanding airport charges and the rest in penalties and rent payments.

The carrier has previously denied it has amassed such debt and stated that all payments to MAHB are done in monthly instalments.

"The company’s solicitors are of the opinion that Malaysia Airports' claim can be legally defended, and further there are sums to be deducted and set off against charges imposed by Malaysia Airports," AirAsia X has said in a stock market filing.

Among the airports operated by MAHB is Kuala Lumpur International, the main base for AirAsia X.

"There is no material financial and operational impact on the company as expenses of this nature are in the ordinary course of business and the same have been provided for in the financial statements. There are also no foreseeable losses arising from the claim," AirAsia X has also stated.

Both AirAsia X and its parent AirAsia are still involved in legal proceedings against MAHB in regard to a burst fuel pipe at the klia2 Terminal in Kuala Lumpur in 2016 which allegedly caused substantial losses to AirAsia X.