31 August 2025, Manila, Philippines — AirAsia Philippines is strengthening its Cebu hub and reopening three domestic and two international routes, including a new direct service between Cebu (CEB) and Iloilo (ILO). Bookings open 3 September 2025 via the MOVE app and airasia.com, and flights begin 15 November 2025 on Airbus A320 aircraft.
This move positions Cebu as a renewed gateway to Central Visayas while delivering more options and competitive fares for Iloilo-bound travelers as the holiday travel season approaches.
Key points
Route: Cebu → Iloilo (direct).
Booking opens: 3 September 2025 (MOVE app, airasia.com).
First flight: 15 November 2025 (Airbus A320).
Other routes announced: Caticlan (MPH), Davao (DVO), Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Macau (MFM) — three domestic, two international.
Reasoning: AirAsia cites strong market demand via Mactan–Cebu International Airport and DOT Region 7’s 5.1 million tourist arrivals in 2024 as key drivers.
Local impact: Expected to boost weekend breaks, island-hopping access, hotel bookings and dining traffic in Iloilo; creates jobs through expanded operations and new hires.
Workforce: Flight Operations welcomed hundreds of pilot and cabin crew applicants; onboarding of new pilots, cabin crew and ramp agents to support Cebu operations.
Timing: Reopening coincides with the BER months — a peak travel season for Filipino holidaymakers.
Aircraft: Airbus A320 will be used for the announced services.
Booking channels: MOVE app and airasia.com (guests encouraged to check for promo fares and limited-time sales).
“Cebu remains a major driver in realizing our growth story in the Philippines. We recognize the value of this very important route, connecting via Cebu to key domestic and international leisure markets. We look forward to further broadening opportunities in the tourism sector, helping generate jobs and ultimately contributing to inclusive economic growth. This initiative also allowed us to welcome new allstar pilots, cabin crew and ramp agents who will augment the manpower requirements,” — Suresh Bangah, President & CEO, AirAsia Philippines.
The refreshed Cebu schedule includes new and returning links that will connect passengers to regional leisure hotspots. AirAsia said the move is part of a broader push to “democratize air travel,” offering value fares and time-limited promotional sales aimed at capturing peak demand during the upcoming BER months.
All flights under the Cebu restart will depart from Mactan–Cebu International Airport, the airline said, with operations supported by Airbus A320 aircraft. The carrier emphasized that the decision to scale up services was backed by tourism data: Department of Tourism Region 7 recorded strong visitor numbers in 2024, which AirAsia cited as a signal of market opportunity for both domestic and international leisure routes.
The airline is also beefing up its local workforce to support the hub expansion. Flight Operations has already processed hundreds of applicants for pilot, cabin crew and ramp agent roles — a recruitment drive AirAsia says is essential to meet the manpower needs of renewed Cebu operations.
AirAsia added that the timetable and promotional strategy intentionally coincide with the start of the BER months — a traditional peak for Filipino holiday travel — hoping to entice leisure travelers with limited-time fares and seat sales. The carrier framed the Cebu reopening as a jobs-and-tourism play: increasing seat capacity, lowering fares and widening access to tourist destinations while creating employment opportunities in Cebu and the routes it serves.
How to book
Visit the MOVE app or airasia.com on or after 3 September 2025 to search Cebu–Iloilo flights, compare promo fares and secure seats for travel beginning 15 November 2025. Travelers planning BER-month trips are advised to book early to lock in promotional fares.
Ilonggo Traveler 
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