KUALA LUMPUR — AirAsia Philippines has assured passengers that its operations remain uninterrupted despite reports that it has been ordered to stop operating at government-managed airports over alleged unpaid airport fees.
In a statement issued today, the airline did not directly address claims regarding its outstanding obligations to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap), but emphasised that its services across the network continue as normal.
“AirAsia Philippines assures the travelling public that it remains fully operational, with flights and services continuing as scheduled across its network, subject to normal operational considerations such as weather and other standard factors affecting airline operations,” the airline said, as quoted by Inquirer.net.
The statement came after Politiko reported that Caap had issued a cease-and-desist order against the carrier on June 2 over alleged unpaid charges dating back to 2021.
According to the report, AirAsia Philippines allegedly owes more than PHP271.9 million in airport-related fees and charges, including unpaid air navigation services, aircraft landing and parking fees, passenger service charges, and other airport assessments.
The dispute follows earlier efforts by the aviation regulator to recover outstanding payments from the airline.
In March, Caap confirmed that it had issued a collection letter to AirAsia Philippines as part of its standard business procedures.
“The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines confirms that it has issued a collection letter to AirAsia Philippines regarding its outstanding account, as part of its regular business processes,” the agency said at the time.
According to a report by the NST, the directive requires AirAsia Philippines to cease all operations and activities under Caap’s jurisdiction, including access to airport facilities, services and privileges.
The order also instructs airport managers, security personnel, aerodrome operations teams and air navigation service units to ensure full enforcement of the directive.
While Caap has not publicly disclosed the amount involved, citing data privacy regulations, a copy of the collection letter addressed to AirAsia Philippines president Suresh Bangah reportedly showed outstanding accounts receivable totalling PHP833.67 mil (RM53.87 mil) as of December 31, 2025. – June 3, 2026