Cheyenne Suarez

AirAsia launching direct Cebu-Bangkok flights in June

An airplane takes off from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on August 4, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Arthur Fuentes

ABS-CBN News

MANILA – AirAsia Philippines on Wednesday announced a major expansion of its Cebu hub, launching a new direct daily service to Bangkok as part of a broader strategy to transform the Central Visayas into a premier international gateway.Beginning June 11, 2026, the low-cost carrier will operate seven weekly flights between Cebu and Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport. The route is designed for efficiency, with 4:05 a.m. departures from Cebu allowing travelers to arrive in the Thai capital by 7:05 a.m.The expansion leverages Bangkok’s status as a &quot;mega hub&quot; for the AirAsia Aviation Group, providing passengers from Cebu seamless access to 42 domestic Thai routes and 60 international destinations across Asia, the budget carrier said.The move also aims to bolster inbound tourism for Central Visayas, AirAsia said. Local data highlights the region&#x27;s appeal, with the Philippine Institute for Development Studies recording 31.5 million international visitors between 2000 and 2024.&quot;Cebu offers vibrant city life, rich historical heritage, world-class diving destinations, and stunning islands and waterfalls, making it a must-visit gateway,&quot; the airline said in a statement.Beyond the Visayas, AirAsia said it is also ramping up its Manila operations to meet surging demand. Starting late March and early April, the carrier will increase frequencies from the capital to Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Macao.Since establishing its Cebu hub in late 2025, AirAsia has rapidly connected the &quot;Queen City of the South&quot; to Macao, Kuala Lumpur, Caticlan, and Davao, signaling an aggressive push to decentralize Philippine air travel.