AirAsia Philippines increases flight frequency by 30% for Holy Week

In anticipation of the influx of travelers for the Holy Week, AirAsia Philippines is increasing its flight frequency for the Lenten season break.

In a statement Tuesday, AirAsia Philippines said it expects over 131,000 travelers to fly in and out of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 4 for the Holy Week and for the rest of April.

With this, the low-cost carrier said it increased its weekly flight frequencies by 30% month-on-month to better accommodate the surge in bookings.

AirAsia Philippines said that flights to top destinations such as Caticlan has increased to 41 times weekly from 34 times in March; Iloilo has also increased to 28 times from 14 times; Tacloban to 28 times from 23 times; Tagbilaran to 18 times from 14 times; Bacolod to 18 times from 11 times; Puerto Princesa to 10 times from 9 times; Davao 14 times from 11 times; Cagayan 11 times from 9 nines; Kalibo to 18 times from 11 times; and Cebu 26 times from 21 times weekly.

The airline said top destinations with the highest number of travelers include Caticlan (Boracay) with 37,881, Tacloban with 13,737, Panglao with 13,303, Cebu with 12,778 and Kalibo with 11,754 guests already booked to fly over the upcoming peak travel period.

"We recognize the significance of the Holy Week celebration for Filipinos. As our Catholic brothers and sisters observe this religious practice, we at AirAsia continue to offer a safe and attainable travel experience essential for those flying to their provinces this holiday season. We commit not only to the highest health standards, but also to the highest security protocols especially now that all destinations in the country have relaxed interzonal travel regulations," said AirAsia Philippines head of Communication and Public Affairs and spokesperson Steve Dailisan.

Having transferred recently to NAIA Terminal 4 for its domestic operations, AirAsia Philippines said it has dedicated 12 check-in counters and four self check-in kiosks located at the terminal's entrance.

These are put in place to ease the potential long queues of guests flying to 13 different AirAsia Philippines destinations, it said.

Returning to its original home at the NAIA Terminal 4 – a single-level terminal – gives AirAsia Philippines’ guests greater convenience for travelling as the move eases the fast-growing foot traffic at the NAIA Terminal 3, the airline added.

However, AirAsia reminded its passengers to be at the airport three hours before their scheduled departure to ensure a smooth facilitation of check-in procedures particularly during peak times.

"Our main goal in the gradual increase of our flight frequency is to offer our brand of inclusive flying to more Filipinos as we embark on our path to recovery. We are also excited as we will open our newest destinations - Dumaguete this week and our Roxas flights by June.  2022 indeed is the year of recovery not only for the aviation industry but also for all industries related to it," Dailisan said.  —Ted Cordero/KBK, GMA News