AirAsia Bhd will provide free flights for life to all ASEAN athletes who won a gold medal at 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In a statement today, the low-cost airline said those ASEAN athletes who won silver and bronze medals in their sport, would also be given free flights for five and two years respectively.

"Eligible athletes will be able to fly to any of the more than 120 destinations within AirAsia and AirAsia X's extensive network in Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Africa," it said.

Group Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said ASEAN athletes who won medals had proved that anything can be achieved by believing in yourself and working tirelessly towards your dream.

"They have shown that they can not only compete, but excel at top level competitions. This is the least we can do for them.

"We hope it will also encourage others in the region to follow in their footsteps. I look forward to seeing more medals from ASEAN in future games," he added.

AirAsia is the only airline to fly direct to all 10 ASEAN countries, including some 60 unique routes in the region.