Cebu’s connectivity received a major boost as AirAsia Philippines launched new direct international and domestic routes from Mactan–Cebu International Airport (MCIA) on November 15, further positioning the province as a growing regional travel hub.
The low-cost carrier introduced five new routes—two international flights to Kuala Lumpur and Macao, and three domestic services to Caticlan, Iloilo, and Davao.
AirAsia announced the following flight frequencies:
- Kuala Lumpur–Cebu: 14 flights weekly
- Macao–Cebu: 3 flights weekly
- Cebu–Davao: 18 flights weekly
- Cebu–Iloilo: 4 flights weekly
- Cebu–Caticlan: 11 flights weekly
The inaugural Kuala Lumpur–Cebu flight was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute at MCIA. Present at the launch were AirAsia Philippines CEO and President Capt. Suresh Bangah, AirAsia Aviation Group Chief Commercial Officer Amanda Woo, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia Chan, DOT–Region 7 Director Gelena Asis-Dimpas, Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation CEO Athanasios Titonis, airline executives, media, and content creators.
Mayor Chan said AirAsia’s expansion “strengthens our people’s access to jobs, investments, and global opportunities,” while supporting Cebu’s status as a competitive and highly connected tourism and economic center.
Alongside its expansion, AirAsia launched a donation initiative to aid Cebu’s recovery following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake and Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi).
The airline will donate ₱15 for every seat sold from November 15, 2025 to January 14, 2026 to support community development and disaster-resiliency programs.
AirAsia Foundation will additionally disburse over ₱9 million to assist affected areas through grassroots partners, including Bike Scouts, a volunteer-driven network aiding isolated communities during typhoons and emergencies.
Bike Scouts previously received a ₱560,000 grant from AirAsia Foundation to conduct disaster resilience workshops for responders in high-risk areas.
Following the earthquake, AirAsia provided logistics support for government relief operations. Under directive from the Office of the President, the airline flew MMDA search and rescue teams and essential equipment to Cebu the day after the quake.
Capt. Bangah emphasized the airline’s commitment to Cebu’s recovery. “Many Cebuanos have lost their homes and livelihoods. Recovery will not be easy but together… we will rise stronger,” he said.
AirAsia said the new Cebu routes are part of its broader strategy to increase regional mobility and reinforce Cebu’s role as a major hub linking Visayas and Mindanao to global destinations.
The carrier now connects travelers to over 160 destinations across Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and Europe through its group-wide network.
“By linking our Cebu hub with Kuala Lumpur, we’re connecting Visayas and Mindanao to a broader global network,” Bangah said.
Flights are now available for booking via AirAsia’s official platforms. (with reports from Aldrine Benitez)
