AirAsia Philippines is solidifying its presence in the Visayas region with the relaunch and introduction of new domestic and international routes out of Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), beginning 15 November 2025. The expansion reinforces Cebu’s role as a major aviation hub, linking more local communities to global gateways.
The airline announced three domestic and two international routes, signaling its strategic comeback in Cebu. The domestic routes include the revival of Cebu-Davao with 18 weekly flights, Cebu-Caticlan with 11 weekly flights, and the launch of a new Cebu-Iloilo service operating four times weekly. On the international front, AirAsia is set to connect Cebu to Kuala Lumpur with 14 weekly flights and to Macao with three weekly flights.
AirAsia executives, together with representatives from Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), regional tourism officials, and travel partners, gathered to unveil the expansion and highlight Cebu’s growing importance as a key aviation hub.
According to AirAsia Aviation Group Chief Commercial Officer Amanda Woo, “Cebu is a cornerstone in our next phase of growth in the Philippines. By linking domestic feeders from across the Visayas and Mindanao into international gateways like Macao and Kuala Lumpur, we are creating a stronger bridge between local communities and the wider region. Through Kuala Lumpur alon1e, travelers from Cebu can seamlessly connect to more than 3,500 routes across Asia and beyond. We’ve restructured this hub to scale more sustainably, deepen our presence in Asean, and provide more affordable choices for millions of travelers. Beyond Kuala Lumpur and Macao, we are also planning additional international routes out of Cebu to further strengthen its role as another global gateway for the Philippines. With this, Cebu will play its part in realizing our ambition to become the world’s first low-cost network carrier.”
To celebrate the expansion, AirAsia is offering promotional fares starting at just PHP118 for direct flights to Caticlan, Iloilo, Davao, Kuala Lumpur, and Macao. The seat sale runs until 28 September 2025, for travel between 15 November 2025, and 28 March 2026, and is available exclusively through the MOVE app.
“Cebu as an international hub is strategically positioned to ease congestion in Manila, and serve the demand from Central Visayas to the southern part of the Philippines. This comeback expansion is about more than connectivity — it’s about encouraging local tourism, creating jobs, and supporting communities that depend on travel and trade. To meet the needs of this hub reopening, we have hired pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff based right here in Cebu. For our guests, every flight is a purposeful journey that connects them to opportunities, experiences, and loved ones — delivered with our commitment to safety, affordability, and world-class service,” said AirAsia Philippines President and CEO Capt. Suresh Bangah.
To mark its Cebu hub revival, AirAsia Philippines will host a Music Festival on 15 November 2025, featuring top Original Pilipino Music (OPM) artists. The event is both a celebration of local talent and a gesture of gratitude to the Cebuano community that continues to support the airline.