AirAsia Is Launching Four International Flights from Cebu

More airlines are going out of their way to bring the Philippines closer to popular tourist destinations around the world. From Taiwan to Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, all these neighbors can expect to cater to more trips from the country, but not from Manila’s biggest international gateway. AirAsia Philippines says it is looking to reopen its flights to and from Kuala Lumpur, Narita, Osaka, Taipei, and Seoul through the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). 

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The expansion comes as AirAsia joins efforts to position Cebu’s airport, the second largest in the country, as a primary transfer hub for connecting flights in a span of just 60 minutes. This is made possible through the recent launch of “Cebu Connect”—an initiative led by Aboitiz GMR MEGAWIDE Cebu Airport Corporation (AGMCAC)—deemed to be a win not only for the Philippines, but the whole Southeast Asia.

“This delivers a great boost for millions of guests gaining access to a wider network of destinations while making travel to numerous connecting destinations more seamless and convenient,” AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla said.

AirAsia currently operates flights to and from Cebu via Manila, as well as Boracay, Puerto Princesa, and Davao. With Cebu Connect, it will be able to mount trips to more tourist spots outside of the Philippines, apart from routes that the airline is relaunching.

“Given the opportunity, we would like to offer new destinations such as Bangkok (Thailand); Vietnam; Phnom Penh (Cambodia); and additional cities in North Asia,” said Isla. “These potential routes will provide more travel options and strengthen Cebu’s position as a key international transfer hub.”

All in all, AirAsia Philippines flies to 26 tourist destinations, 13 each for domestic and international.