True to the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan—unity, compassion, and resilience—AirAsia has stepped up with community development and disaster resiliency initiatives to support the recovery of calamity-hit Cebu.
In a heartfelt video message, AirAsia Allstars from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Cambodia expressed their solidarity with Filipinos affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake and Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi). A moment of silence was observed to honor victims and the heroism of rescue personnel, volunteers, and ordinary citizens who saved lives amid devastation.
Rapid Response When It Matters Most
Immediately following the quake, AirAsia provided critical logistics support to government partners. Under directives from the Office of the President, the airline flew the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) search and rescue team, along with essential equipment, to Cebu the day after the earthquake. The MMDA team was among the first responders conducting search, rescue, and retrieval operations on the ground.
Capt. Suresh Bangah, AirAsia Philippines CEO and President, emphasized,
“Many Cebuanos have lost their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. Recovery won’t be easy, but through compassion and collaboration, we will rise stronger.”
Supporting Recovery Through Every Seat Sold
From November 15 to January 14, 2025, AirAsia will donate PHP 15 for every seat sold to fund relief and recovery programs in Cebu. Through its philanthropic arm, AirAsia Foundation, the airline will disburse up to PHP 9 million to grassroots organizations like Bike Scouts—a volunteer-driven social enterprise providing critical logistics, communication, and essential supplies to communities isolated by natural disasters.
Last year, AirAsia Foundation awarded PHP 560,000 to Bike Scouts for disaster resilience workshops benefiting over 200 responders. The current pledge aims to expand relief distribution, repair community infrastructure, and scale resilience programs. Additional funds will also support other social enterprises in impacted areas to rebuild livelihoods and strengthen local communities.
Mun Ching Yap, Executive Director of AirAsia Foundation, highlighted,
“Our priority is helping communities rebuild stronger. By leveraging our network of social enterprises and trusted partners, we ensure resources reach those who need them most.”
A Legacy of Disaster Response Across ASEAN
Since 2012, AirAsia Foundation has raised and distributed over USD 4 million for post-disaster relief and rehabilitation across ASEAN, including responses to Typhoon Haiyan (Philippines, 2013), the Palu tsunami (Indonesia, 2018), and Malaysian floods (2021). Over USD 670,000 in social enterprise grants have been awarded to ventures promoting sustainable livelihoods, poverty alleviation, and climate resilience.
Boosting Recovery Through Connectivity
AirAsia also launched two international and three domestic routes from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), enhancing regional connectivity to accelerate economic recovery. The inaugural Kuala Lumpur-Cebu flight was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute, attended by Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia K. Chan, Tourism Region 7 Director Gelena Asis-Dimpas, ACAC CEO Athanasios Titonis, airline executives, and media.
New international services to Kuala Lumpur and Macao, along with domestic routes to Davao, Iloilo, and Caticlan, reinforce Cebu’s role as a strategic hub while providing affordable travel options to support economic activity and tourism.
Capt. Bangah concluded,“By linking Cebu to Kuala Lumpur, we are connecting Visayas and Mindanao to a broader global network across Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and Europe, accelerating Southeast Asia’s position as a global low-cost megahub.”
