KUALA LUMPUR – AirAsia X has refuted media claims suggesting that Philippines AirAsia has halted operations.
“These reports are false and do not reflect the reality of the business or operations of the airline. All flights remain 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 in a statement today.
Some reports had indicated that AirAsia owed the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) roughly PHP271.94 million in charges related to air navigation, landing, parking, and passenger services accumulated between 2021 and May 2026. CAAP has not issued an official response.
AirAsia Group co-founder and advisor Tan Sri Tony Fernandes reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to the Philippines.
“AirAsia carries almost seven million guests in the Philippines annually. Our commitment to the Philippines is absolute. We are deeply invested in the country, its people and its future,” he said.
Fernandes highlighted AirAsia’s role in making air travel accessible to millions of Filipinos. “We are incredibly invested in the development of new airport infrastructure across the country, including in Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) and Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), which will unlock greater growth opportunities, improve connectivity, enhance operational efficiency and enable us to lower costs even further,” he said.
He added that the airline plans to deploy additional aircraft to expand its Philippine operations. “These developments will allow Philippines AirAsia to expand our network, offer even more competitive fares and continue delivering greater value to Filipino travellers,” Fernandes said.
AirAsia X also criticised what it described as a “coordinated and sensationalised” media campaign aimed at undermining fair competition in the Philippine aviation sector. “Such narratives serve only the interests of those seeking to limit consumer choice and create conditions that could lead to a monopoly in the market,” the airline said.
The low-cost carrier reaffirmed its commitment to the public, tourism, and economic growth, emphasising its mission to provide safe, affordable, and reliable air travel for all Filipinos. – June 4, 2026