Budget airline braces for election rush

CEBU, Philippines — AirAsia Philippines is stepping up its operational readiness in anticipation of increased passenger traffic linked to the national and local elections scheduled for 12 May 2025, as millions of Filipinos are expected to return to their home provinces to vote.

The budget carrier, a subsidiary of Malaysia-based Capital A, said it is deploying additional resources across its major domestic hubs—including Manila, Cebu, Aklan, Tacloban, Palawan, and Iloilo—to manage the projected surge.

Ground operations and customer support teams will be on heightened alert to maintain operational efficiency and minimize disruptions.

“AirAsia Philippines is proud to play a role in enabling Filipinos to fulfil their civic duty,” said Steve Dailisan, the airline’s Head of Communications and Public Affairs.

“We are committed to delivering a seamless travel experience during this important period,” he added.

In line with preparations, travellers are advised to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours ahead of international departures to accommodate expected congestion and longer queues at airports.

The announcement coincides with a stable fare environment for May, as the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) maintained the fuel surcharge at Level 4, offering some relief to passengers amid volatile oil markets.

AirAsia, which holds operating licences in five ASEAN countries, has flown over 800 million passengers since its inception in 2001.

The group is pursuing an ambitious expansion strategy to become the first global low-cost network carrier.

With over 200 aircraft in operation and a strong orderbook, it continues to invest in sustainable aviation, reporting cost savings of $40mn in 2023 through fuel efficiency initiatives that avoided 130,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.