I need to cancel a flight, but the airline (Air Asia) says I can't

I have accidentally booked a flight with Air Asia through Booking for the wrong date. I want to cancel this flight, which is in 2 days. Note that I do not wish to be refunded.

Booking tells me to do everything from Air Asia's website or app. There, I managed to retrieve my booking with the booking number and my last name. However, I cannot see any option to cancel.

In Air Asia's FAQ, it says that an option on the "Purchase" page should appear, called "easy refund". However, I don't have this option on my end.

I tried the chatbot. Here is the conversation:

"Cancel booking Booking number 12345, last name XXXXX"

I am sorry but it appears your booking is not eligible. Please be advised that once your booking is confirmed, cancellation or refund is not allowed unless we cancel or rescheduled your flight more than 3 hours from the original schedule. With the exception to the countries below, due to regulatory requirements, you can request for a voluntary cancellation: to / from Republic of Korea Indonesia domestic flights

However, you can request for an airport tax refund within 6 months after the travel date if you do not travel on the booked flight.

"It's okay if I do not get refunded, however I think my booking should be cancelled for the airline"

I understand you'd like to cancel your booking, even without a refund. However, voluntary cancellations are generally not permitted unless AirAsia cancels or reschedules your flight by more than 3 hours. The only exceptions for voluntary cancellation are for flights to/from the Republic of Korea and Indonesia domestic flights.

Should I leave it be and just not show up? I am afraid of the consequences.

Airlines generally do not permanently ban you from flying with them for a single no-show.

From the AirAsia FAQs

Q: AirAsia Flights: If I do not wish to fly after booked a flight or if I could not show up for the flight, will I get a refund?

A: The booking of a seat is confirmed only after full payment of the fare, taxes, fees, surcharges and any other applicable charges. This confirmation occurs once a booking number or flight itinerary is issued. Once confirmed, the booking is non-cancelable and non-refundable, except under the following conditions:

• Flight to/from the Republic of Korea (if applicable)
• Indonesia Domestic Flight (QZ)

However, you can get a refund on Airport Tax. If you did not board the flight, you may request a refund of the airport tax paid within six (6) months after the scheduled date of flight departure. You have the option to receive the refund either as an AirAsia Credit Account or back to the original mode of payment.

Bear in mind that if you are a no-show for an outbound flight on a round-trip or connecting booking, the airline will cancel the rest of your travel plan, including return flight(s).