A pricing dispute involving AirAsia’s online booking arm has prompted aviation authorities to draft stricter rules for third-party travel platforms. The move comes after passengers reported being quoted ₱39,000 for one-way Manila-Tacloban flights during a transport crisis in Leyte province.
The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) announced plans to enforce fare limits on online travel agencies (OTAs) like AirAsia Move, which faced backlash for allegedly overcharging travelers. The issue gained urgency as Tacloban struggles with severe transport disruptions caused by ongoing repairs to the San Juanico Bridge. A temporary three-ton weight limit on the bridge has blocked buses and trucks, leaving flights as one of the few viable options for many.
At a recent CAB hearing, AirAsia Move CEO Nadia Omer admitted the platform was not initially aware of existing airline fare caps and vowed to overhaul its pricing system within three months. “We will fully comply with CAB’s guidelines once finalized,” Omer said. The agency’s executive director, Carmelo Arcilla, stressed that OTAs must align with pricing regulations to prevent exploitation during emergencies.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon condemned the inflated fares as “unacceptable,” threatening to pursue economic sabotage charges against AirAsia Move. The platform’s spokesperson, Ana Alexandra Castro, clarified that airlines—not OTAs—set ticket prices, adding that AirAsia Move only markets seats and hotel bookings.
Despite the controversy, AirAsia Move remains operational in the Philippines, offering access to over 700 airlines and a million hotels worldwide. The CAB’s forthcoming rules aim to ensure transparency and fairness for travelers, particularly during regional crises.
Ilonggo Traveler 
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