As Holy Week approaches, one of the most significant travel periods in the Philippines, AirAsia MOVE’s latest booking data reveals how millions of Filipinos are planning their trips: balancing time to return home with opportunities for rest and short getaways.
Observed widely across the country, Holy Week is traditionally a time for reflection, family reunions, and travel, with many leaving major cities to spend time in their home provinces or take a much-needed break.
Domestic travel dominates Holy Week 2026
MOVE’s data shows that the vast majority of bookings are domestic, with 82% of travelers flying within the Philippines, while 18% are heading internationally.
Manila leads, with strong homebound travel
More than half of bookings (55%) depart from Manila, underscoring its role as the country’s primary economic hub. Working-class professionals or students heading back to their hometowns from Manila reflect the strong cultural tradition of returning home during Holy Week.
Other key departure points include Cebu (12%), Iloilo and Tacloban (at 5% respectively), and Caticlan and Puerto Princesa (2%), and various regional airports across the country (19%).
Heading home, and beyond
While 40% of the Manila-based travelers usually fly to Cebu, Iloilo, and Tacloban to reconnect with family, others are taking advantage of the long break for leisure with 17% heading to island destinations like Boracay and Puerto Princesa and 9% are flying internationally to nearby cities such as Taipei and Kuala Lumpur.
A mostly solo journey home
Among Manila-based travelers, 56% are flying solo, while 18% travel as couples, 15% with children, and 11% in groups of friends, showing that most journeys are independent, though some are shared with loved ones.
Short but meaningful trips
Most trips are short, with 40% lasting 3–4 days and 26% extending to 5–6 days, perfectly aligned with the long weekend structure of Holy Week. Morning departures lead at 35%, as travelers aim to maximize their time at their destination, while 17% opt for red-eye or late-night flights, a practical choice for students and working professionals looking to make the most of limited leave days.
Planning ahead for the holidays
Filipino travelers are booking early, with 29% securing trips 15–30 days in advance and 22% booking 31–60 days ahead. Last-minute booking remains minimal at 2%, indicating strong intent to plan ahead during this peak season.
Value-driven stays
For those traveling for leisure, accommodations are chosen with both comfort and affordability in mind. 4-star hotels account for 41% of bookings, followed by 3-star hotels at 37%, with an average nightly stay of 4,000 pesos, highlighting that even short getaways prioritize value-for-money stays without compromising on convenience.
Holy Week travel isn’t just about going home, it’s about making the most of limited time. From early bookings to mostly morning flights, solo journeys, and value-focused accommodations, MOVE data shows that Filipinos are intentional planners. They balance family traditions with personal rest and short getaways, whether it’s reconnecting with loved ones in their hometown or taking a quick island escape.
