AirAsia ramps ups flights, banks on ‘revenge travel’ for 2022 recovery

Low-cost carrier AirAsia Philippines on Friday said it continues to boost its flight frequencies on its domestic network amid the anticipated surge in demand for air travel during the Christmas season.

In a statement, AirAsia Philippines said it has restored 30% of its pre-pandemic capacity, “doubling and tripling its frequencies for most of its domestic destinations.”

The airline has also returned to Hong Kong and Singapore to service overseas Filipino workers and business travelers.

As of December, AirAsia Philippines said it is flying Manila-Puerto Princesa six times weekly, Manila-Iloilo nine times weekly, Manila-Cagayan six times weekly, and Manila-Caticlan 28 times weekly.

The airline added that its Manila-Tacloban flight flies 21 times weekly, Manila-Tagbilaran 11 times weekly, Manila-Cebu 21 times weekly, Manila-Cagayan five times weekly, Manila-Davao seven times weekly, Manila-Zamboanga four times weekly, Manila-General Santos twice weekly, Manila-Singapore once weekly, and Manila-Hong Kong once every two weeks.    

“We are banking on ‘revenge travel’ for a very strong 2022 recovery. People now have the confidence to plan for their future trips as reflected in the forward bookings from 31-120 days. This booking behavior can be significantly attributed to the continuing downtrend of daily COVID-19 infections and the ongoing progress of the government’s nationwide vaccination program,” said AirAsia Philippines spokesperson Steve Dailisan.

“While travel restrictions have been significantly eased and simplified, we call on our guests to never allow themselves to be complacent. Strict adherence to health and safety protocols must be observed on ground and in flight,” he added.

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, AirAsia Philippines said travelers may avail of the P20 base fare if they book within December 6 to 20 from Manila to Cebu, Puerto Princesa, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Kalibo, General Santos, Zamboanga and Bacolod. 

Travel period is from December 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022. 

“As of December 7, 100% of AirAsia Philippines’ flying crew and 99.34% of the whole Filipino Allstars have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Most employees who have been fully vaccinated in the last six months have also started to take their booster shots through their respective local government units,” the airline said. — VBL, GMA News