AirAsia starts Manila-Zamboanga flights to help boost connectivity

PHILIPPINES AirAsia, Inc. has started operating flights from Manila to Zamboanga as part of its strategy to gradually boost its domestic connectivity amid the pandemic crisis, the low-cost airline announced on Wednesday.

The carrier said it had its first flight to Zamboanga from Manila on Oct. 27.

Philippines AirAsia Chief Executive Officer Ricardo “Ricky” P. Isla said, “As the second largest city in Mindanao and the sixth most populous in the Philippines, this new destination will pave the way for expansive connectivity, bringing Filipino families closer together, and providing more opportunities across provinces in support of the local government’s vision to be the Asean economic hub in Southwestern Mindanao.”

Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar expects AirAsia’s presence in her city to “spark hope and bring in more reasonable and budget-friendly options in air travel that will help businesses recover from all the impacts brought by the pandemic.”

AirAsia said further it is offering all-in promotional fares from Manila to Zamboanga “from as low as P765” for ticket bookings from Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, 2020, for travels until June 30 next year. — Arjay L. Balinbin