KUALA LUMPUR — AirAsia Move has denied manipulating ticket prices in the Philippines after regulators accused the digital platform of inflating fares and ordered it to halt sales in the country.
In a statement issued today, Nadia Omer, CEO of AirAsia Move, said the company does not manually set or control airfare prices.
Instead, it displays inventory and pricing provided by authorised upstream suppliers, including global distribution systems and third-party aggregators.
“The discrepancies in fare displays for certain routes, including domestic flights operated by Philippine Airlines, were caused by temporary data synchronisation issues,” the statement read, adding that other platforms including Agoda, Kiwi.com, and Traveloka were also affected.
Move said it took immediate steps to raise the issue with its pricing partner and enhance safeguards to prevent recurrence.
The company also reaffirmed its compliance with all local regulations governing online travel agencies (OTAs) operating in the Philippines.
The statement follows a dramatic intervention by Philippine authorities, who ordered Move to cease ticket sales amid allegations of profiteering.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon told a press conference earlier today that the Civil Aeronautics Board had issued a cease-and-desist order after investigating high ticket prices during transport disruptions in Tacloban City.
The aviation regulator, which oversees domestic airfare caps, said it found instances of tickets listed at nearly three times their standard price—such as a one-way Philippine Airlines flight from Manila to Tacloban posted at 77,000 pesos (RM5,900) on Move’s platform.
“We will really put the full force of the law on these unscrupulous online platforms that are taking advantage of our people,” Dizon said, adding that criminal charges of “economic sabotage” would be pursued against the Malaysia-based digital service.
Move, which is owned by Capital A Berhad and affiliated with Philippines AirAsia, said it welcomed continued engagement with regulators and asked for due process to ensure clarity for passengers.
The company also reaffirmed its commitment to the Philippines’ tourism agenda, saying it has helped drive domestic and inbound travel growth through digital innovation and partnerships.
Since its launch in the market, Move said 85% of its bookings involved domestic destinations like Manila, Cebu and Boracay, while international arrivals via the platform rose 28% year-on-year. – June 2, 2025