AirAsia Philippines deepens stakeholder ties in Eastern Visayas (Tacloban)

AirAsia Philippines and the Provincial Government of Leyte renewed its longstanding commitment to democratizing air travel and ensuring connectivity while boosting tourism and economic growth in the Eastern Visayas Region. 

Together with the members of the media, AirAsia was warmly welcomed in the Provincial Capitol by Leyte Gov. Jericho Petilla, Leyte Tourism Consultant Frances Ann Petilla, and other officials as part of the airline’s ongoing collaboration with stakeholders.

Since 2009, AirAsia has flown millions of guests to Tacloban, providing safe, reliable and affordable travel options in the region. It currently flies 28 times weekly to Tacloban.

“Leyte holds a special place in the heart of AirAsia. Our partnership stood the test of time, especially during the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda and the rebuilding efforts that ensued after. And the commitment of ensuring affordable fares for the Eastern Visayas region has never waned,” AirAsia Philippines President and CEO Suresh Bangah said.

Awarded recently for the 16th year in a row as the world’s best low-cost airline at Skytrax, AirAsia shares this milestone with its key stakeholders by offering special fares from as low as ₱516 for one-way flights to and from Tacloban. This is the 11th major seat sale launched this early 2025.

Book now until July 3, 2025, and #SeeyouLeyte for travels between July 2, 2025, and March 31, 2026.

Bangah adds, “We know how purposeful each journey is for every Leyteno. With the ongoing repair of San Juanico Bridge, our stakeholders can always count on us to consistently provide reasonably low fares, allowing everyone to experience the airline's continued legacy as the global gold standard in low-cost travel”.

Leyte Governor Jericho Petilla lauds AirAsia for its continued support, "Leyte is a destination. Not so many people know it, but it is a destination. We have many other destinations aside from kalamgaman, and we want them to be as visible as kalamgaman. And we want to thank AirAsia, sabi ko nga two way ito eh, it is our intent to make ourselves visible to tourist so that there will be an increased flights later by AirAsia.

“We may not have the ideal tourist destinations that we have right now, but by the time we finish our plans, ang tanong ko parati, which airline we do actually partner with when we're actually ready? And right now, I will tell you that it is only AirAsia, I consider a partner.”

During the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), AirAsia was one of the first commercial airlines that responded to the needs of those impacted by the calamity. It allocated free 250,000 seats for victims and their loved ones in search of missing family members. Through the AirAsia Foundation, AirAsia was able to raise close to one hundred million pesos that was used to build homes in Tacloban.

"Hindi namin malilimutan nung panahon ng Yolanda kung paano kami tinulungan ng AirAsia. They were the first airline to offer seats. Imagine, they sent 2 aicraft to help us for humanitatian mission. It allowed us to ferry people out of Tacloban so they can also find work in Manila and feed their families while rebuilding is underway.” Leyte Tourism Consultant Anne Petilla shares.