MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Low-cost airline AirAsia Philippines recorded an increase in forward bookings for the months of June and July to key destinations namely Caticlan, Kalibo, Puerto Princesa, Cagayan de Oro, and Cebu driven by the return of Filipinos abroad and the further relaxation of travel protocols among foreign travelers.
For the months of June and July, international visitors have booked flights to island destinations Caticlan (52%), Tacloban (14%), Cebu (17%), Kalibo (14%), Tagbilaran (17%) and Puerto Princesa (14%). Top destinations visited by foreign travelers for the month of May include Caticlan (23%), Cebu (14%), Tagbilaran (10%), and Kalibo (8%).
On 30 May, the Inter-Agency Task Force Against the Emergence of Infectious Diseases (IATF) issued Resolution no. 46 which scraps COVID-19 test requirements for fully vaccinated and boosted foreign visitors, 18 years old and above.
The same resolution also exempts children aged 12 to 17 years old who have received their vaccines and those below 12 years old, provided they are accompanied by their fully vaccinated and boosted parents or guardians.
AirAsia Philippines Spokesperson and Head of Communications and Public Affairs Steve Dailisan said, “The easing of travel requirements among incoming international travelers will drive growth in domestic tourism. Further, IATF’s recent decision will place Philippine tourism in a competitive spot among its Asean neighbors as we also gear up for a strong recovery in the international market.”
To augment the increasing demand for both domestic and international travelers, AirAsia Philippines has increased its flight frequency for the month of June. From 219 weekly flights to 255 weekly flights to all 16 destinations including Roxas, Capiz which will commence on June 16.
The World’s Best Low-Cost Airline meanwhile reassures its guests that it will continue to be true to its promise of democratizing air travel despite the continued adjustments in fuel prices. It recently launched a successful Super Flash Sale with a one-way base fare from as low as Php 88.
Earlier, AirAsia Philippines along with other Philippine carriers filed for an adjustment in the present fuel surcharges aligned with the expanded fuel matrix set by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB). This is expected to cushion the effects of volatile movement of fuel prices in the World Market.
“AirAsia remains committed to offering best value for money deals for flights, SNAP (flight + hotel bundle), and other products housed on the airasia Super App to provide our guests with affordable options during their travels. We are optimistic that the adjustments in fuel surcharges will not affect the booking behavior of our guests who have been wanting to rediscover the Philippines and key destinations in ASEAN,” added Dailisan
As of June 2022, AirAsia Philippines flies to Caticlan 75x weekly; Iloilo – 28x weekly; Tacloban 28x weekly; Tagbilaran – 21x weekly; Puerto Princesa – 18x weekly, and will increase to 43x weekly by June 17; Bacolod – 21x weekly; Davao 21x weekly; Cagayan – 14x weekly, and will increase to 20x weekly by June 17; Kalibo 28x weekly; and Cebu – 28x weekly, to increase to 32x weekly by June 17; and Roxas – 3x weekly starting June 16.
