AirAsia Philippines Eyeing More Direct Flights to Boracay

Despite news that Boracay is no longer foreign visitors' favorite local travel destination, the island getaway is still a popular vacation hotspot. Now that it’s peak summer season, local carrier AirAsia Philippines says it wants to make travel options more accessible by offering more direct flights to the world-famous spot.

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“Recognizing the challenges posed by congestion in Manila, AirAsia is exploring the possibility of opening direct flights to Boracay to offer guests a convenient and seamless travel journey to the island,” AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla said.

If the plan does push through, Air Asia Philippines says it will offer direct flights to Boracay from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Most foreign travelers flying to the island resort come all the way from countries such as the United States, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Germany, China, and United Kingdom.

AirAsia says it expects the additional flights from outside the Philippines will help decongest the country's main gateway, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). But ultimately, it hopes these would increase foot traffic in Boracay, which has seen a drop in foreign tourist arrivals. As of 2023, the island lost its status as the country's top travel destination for international visitors.

That was based on data from the Department of Tourism, which showed other island destinations have overtaken Boracay. Outside Metro Manila and Cebu, Palawan had the highest number of visits from foreign travelers in 2023 at 680,895; followed by Pampanga at 583,743; and Aklan at 428,704.

Flights to Caticlan and Kalibo in Aklan, where Boracay is, are currently available from Manila, Clark, and Cebu.

AirAsia Philippines flies from NAIA to several other domestic destinations, including Bacolod, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, and Tacloban.