AirAsia Philippines given until June 6 to settle unpaid fees—CAAP
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has given AirAsia Philippines until June 6 to settle their debts.
“CAAP clarifies that AirAsia Philippines has been given until June 6, 2026 to settle its outstanding financial obligations. The Authority and the airline have been in discussion on this matter since last year,” they said in a statement on Wednesday.
The agency added that any operational interruptions carry "significant consequences," including economic strain, potential layoffs, and major disruptions to both passenger travel and cargo services.
“Accordingly, the settlement of the obligations remains the most practical and preferred course of action,” they continued.
The agency stated it is closely working with airlines to ensure financial compliance and uninterrupted airport operations.
Reports stated that the order from CAAP stemmed from AirAsia's alleged failure to settle over P271.9 million in unpaid airport charges and other fees.
AirAsia Philippines on Thursday has denied reports claiming that its Z2 flights are being grounded, calling the rumors "entirely false" and stating they "do not reflect the reality of the business or operations of the airline."
"All Z2 flights remain fully operational, with flights and services continuing as scheduled across its network, subject to normal operational considerations such as weather and other standard factors affecting airline operations," they wrote in a press release.
They also condemned the "coordinated and sensationalised reports" are part of a "deliberate smear campaign" as part of a deliberate smear campaign designed to stifle competition in the Philippine aviation industry.
According to the airline, such narratives serve only to limit consumer choice and pave the way for a market monopoly. "A monopoly benefits no one except dominant market players," AirAsia stated, warning that a lack of competition ultimately hurts travelers through fewer choices and significantly higher airfares.
“AirAsia has long championed affordable travel and will continue to stand firmly against any development that harms consumers or restricts access to air connectivity," Tony Fernandes, Co-founder and Advisor of AirAsia Group said.
He continued: "AirAsia carries almost seven million guests in the Philippines annually and our commitment to the Philippines is absolute. We are deeply invested in the country, its people and its future. For over a decade, we have played a key role in democratising air travel, making flying accessible to millions of Filipinos who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to travel by air."
Fernandes said that AirAsia’s investment in Philippine airport infrastructure aims to enhance operational efficiency, streamline connectivity, and drive down operational expenses. The carrier intends to scale its local operations to provide broader destination options and lower airfares for passengers.
"Philippines AirAsia remains committed to serving the public, supporting tourism and economic growth, and ensuring that every Filipino continues to have access to safe, affordable and reliable air travel," they ended the statement.
