AirAsia Philippines soars with 3 million passengers in H1

CEBU, Philippines —  AirAsia Philippines announced a strong operational performance for the first half of 2025, carrying close to 3 million passengers across its domestic and international network.

The low-cost carrier posted an average load factor of 85 percent underlining a resurgence in travel demand, particularly in the domestic sector, which accounted for 80 percent of total passengers.

Puerto Princesa topped the list of domestic destinations, while Taipei led international routes, reflecting a balanced recovery across key tourism and business hubs.

The airline cited growing demand and strategic promotional initiatives as core drivers of growth.

“We’ve seen a very encouraging start to the year with a solid 85 percent load factor, largely buoyed by domestic travel. This indicates a sustained recovery in local tourism,” said First Officer Steve Dailisan, Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs.

“Our targeted campaigns such as the AirAsia Fiesta Series, coupled with fare promotions tied to cultural festivals, are playing a significant role in stimulating travel interest among Filipinos,” added Dailisan.

To capitalize on rising international demand, AirAsia has ramped up flight frequencies on several routes.

Service to Kota Kinabalu has shifted from three weekly flights to daily operations, while Taipei flights will increase from 14 to 17 weekly starting July 1. The carrier aims to strengthen regional connectivity and provide added flexibility for both leisure and business travelers.

In a move to sustain travel momentum into the off-peak season, AirAsia launched over 400,000 promotional seats. From now through June 1, 2025, passengers can book one-way base fares starting at P185 for travel through October 31. Featured destinations include Boracay (via Caticlan), Kalibo, Bohol, and Puerto Princesa — locations popular for both quick escapes and extended holidays.

The airline’s performance highlights a broader trend of recovery and resilience in Southeast Asia’s aviation market, as carriers ramp up capacity and travel demand normalizes post-pandemic.