AirAsia Philippines has announced on December 20 that all its domestic flight routes have fully resumed with the exception of Puerto Princesa as on-ground communications continue to be a challenge in the province following the impact of Typhoon Odette. Currently, the airline is working closely with various organizations to provide assistance in the delivery of essential relief goods and services to badly affected areas, having airlifted more than 20 tons of items since December 17.
Relief items are being consolidated at the cargo house in partnership with airasia Teleport and will be flown to affected areas maximizing the cargo spaces in the commercial flight.
It can be remembered that during the onslaught of Typhoon Odette, 198 of the airline’s domestic flights have been canceled or postponed in lieu of the assured safety of the guests. The cancellations and delays in flights have affected an estimated 30,000 passengers from December 16 to December 19.
The airline mounted two recovery flights from Manila to Cebu on December 19 catering to almost 1,000 passengers. Guests affected by flight delays and cancellations from Manila to Puerto Princesa may also avail of a recovery flight to the province on December 23, 2021. AirAsia Philippines has also established help desks that are available in local airports such as those located in Mactan, Puerto Princesa and Bohol.
AirAsia Philippines Spokesperson Steve Dailisan said, “Although we are faced with a lot of challenges, especially our Allstars who were also affected by the typhoon, we continue to soldier on to ensure that we continue to service our guests the best possible way during the peak season.”
“We are alwaysREDy to extend whatever help we can to our Kababayans. It is our prayer that they stay hopeful and blessed despite the many challenges that come our way.”
Post-Typhoon Odette, AirAsia Philippines has doubled down on restrategizing flight routes and communications with local government units and airports for the speedy restart of flight operations. For those affected by flight cancellations may avail of move-flight privileges or credit account claims via AirAsia’s virtual assistant AVA.