By Marinel E. Peroy
On November 15, AirAsia launched two international and three domestic routes from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), reaffirming its commitment to boost regional connectivity and aid recovery efforts in calamity-hit areas across the Visayas and Mindanao.
The inaugural Kuala Lumpur-Cebu flight was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute at MCIA. The said milestone was attended by: AirAsia Philippines CEO and President, Capt. Suresh Bangah and AirAsia Aviation Group Chief Commercial Officer Amanda Woo were warmly welcomed by Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia K. Chan, Department of Tourism–Region 7 Director Gelena Asis-Dimpas, alongside Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC) CEO Athanasios Titonis, airline executives, and members of the media.
The Kuala Lumpur and Macao international services are among five additional routes in the Philippines added to the broader AirAsia network, which now connects travelers to over 160 destinations group-wide.
“AirAsia’s goal is to accelerate Southeast Asia’s position as a global low-cost megahub,” Capt. Bangah said. “By linking our Cebu hub with Kuala Lumpur, we’re connecting Visayas and Mindanao to a broader global network spanning Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and Europe.”
Meanwhile, new domestic connections from Cebu to Davao, Iloilo, and Caticlan further reinforce the Queen City of the South’s position as a strategic hub, offering travelers more value-driven options across the region.
As Athanasios Titonis, CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp., told THEPHILBIZNEWS: “We are #FlyingStrongerWithCebu because – we are the best airport, not only in the Philippines, but in Southeast Asia as well.”
More flights, more aid
From November 15 to January 14, 2026, AirAsia will donate ₱15 for every seat sold to support earthquake and typhoon relief and recovery programs in Cebu.
Through its philanthropic arm, AirAsia Foundation, AirAsia will disburse up to ₱9 million to support local communities through giving assistance (by Q1 of 2026) to grassroots organizations such as Bike Scouts, a social enterprise with more than a decade of on-ground disaster response experience across the Philippines.
“We are also deeply committed to partnering with the people of Cebu during the rebuilding process by providing affordable travel options that can spur economic activity and aid in recovery. As we expand our network, we also continue to make meaningful journeys by uplifting the communities we serve,” Capt. Bangah added.
The community-based, volunteer-driven organization provides critical access to information, communications, and essential supplies for communities isolated by typhoons, floods, landslides, and other natural events, using bicycles to reach places that are difficult to access by larger vehicles during emergencies.
AirAsia Foundation’s Executive Director Mun Ching Yap highlighted that one of their priorities is to help communities rebuild stronger after a disaster. “As the focus shifts from emergency relief to recovery in these communities, we leverage our network of social enterprises and trusted partners to connect resources with communities in need, supporting them to restore homes and livelihoods and make a meaningful difference for those affected.”
The foundation will also be allocating additional funds to support the work of social enterprises located in impacted areas to help rebuild community infrastructure and livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Tony Galon, advocacy lead for Bike Scouts, highlighted the “bayanihan” culture in the Philippines and extended gratitude for AirAsia Foundation’s support in helping victims affected by the recent earthquake and Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi).
“The funding from AirAsia Foundation will allow Bike Scouts to go fill the need for much-needed supplies, such as additional shelters, filter materials, and other essentials – such as food items that maybe families are struggling to provide for themselves because of the loss of their meals and making a living,” he said. Sustainability is also a priority, noting that “the (reduce plastic waste) advocacy supports the work of the Bike Scouts because it addresses the root cause of climate change disasters.”
This current pledge aims to help the organization distribute urgent relief items, repair community infrastructure, and increase the number of resilience workshops. Therefore, Bike Scouts will serve as a key community partner focusing on mobility, logistics, and relief delivery to affected families.
Thus, the additional route expansion isn’t just about connecting destinations; it’s about extending compassion. With every seat sold contributing ₱15 to relief efforts, AirAsia reinforces that hope to families working to rebuild their lives — one ticket to #FlyWithAirAsia at a time.