AirAsia says flights continue despite shutdown order

PHILIPPINES AirAsia, Inc. said it remains fully operational after reports that the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) had issued a cease-and-desist order over unpaid obligations.

The low-cost carrier assured passengers that flights across its network would continue as scheduled.

“AirAsia Philippines assures the traveling public that it remains 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,” the company said in a statement on Wednesday.

The statement followed a Politiko report that CAAP had issued a cease-and-desist order dated June 2 directing the airline to halt operations at airports within three days of receiving the notice.

The airline owes P271.94 million in airport fees and other charges dating back to 2021, according to the report.

CAAP had yet to issue a statement on the matter.

In March, CAAP said it had sent a collection letter to AirAsia Philippines over unpaid obligations, including airport fees and unremitted passenger charges amounting to P833.66 million.

Founded in 2001, AirAsia operates low-cost airline businesses in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Cambodia. Its Philippine affiliate began operations in 2012. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera