The airline called out the information, which they deemed as “entirely false.”
In a statement on Thursday, June 4, the Malaysia-based AirAsia X, which owns Philippines AirAsia (Z2), has decried circulating reports regarding the status of its operations in the Philippines.
It noted that news about its supposed grounding in the country amid its outstanding financial obligations with the Civil Aeronautics Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
It directly told that these are “entirely false and do not reflect the reality of the business or operations of the airline.”
“All Z2 flights remain 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,” they further clarified.
AirAsia also responded to what they called “coordinated and sensationalized” reports, which they alleged to be part of a long-running “deliberate smear campaign” that aims to undermine fair competition in the local aviation landscape.
“Such narratives serve only the interests of those seeking to limit consumer choice and create conditions that could lead to a monopoly in the market,” it furthered, warning that monopolistic activities benefit the dominant market players.
“For travellers, it often results in reduced competition, fewer choices and significantly higher airfares,” it added.
AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes, who sits as the airline’s advisor, said that the company has long championed affordable travel and “will continue to stand firmly against any development that harms consumers or restricts access to air connectivity.”
He also mentioned that in the Philippines alone, AirAsia carries almost seven million guests annually, with their commitment to the country being “absolute.”
“We are deeply invested in the country, its people and its future,” he furthered.
Fernandes also said, “Looking ahead, we are incredibly invested in the development of new airport infrastructure across the country, including in Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) and Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), which will unlock greater opportunities for growth, improve connectivity, enhance operational efficiency and enable us to lower costs even further.”
The business tycoon also assured that they are also making further expansions into the Philippines once they have expanded their fleet and aircraft orderbook, as these will be deployed in the country and will allow Philippines AirAsia to expand its own network.
Lastly, Philippines AirAsia told that they remain “committed to serving the public, supporting tourism and economic growth, and ensuring that every Filipino continues to have access to safe, affordable and reliable air travel.”
Meanwhile, the CAAP has since clarified that it the operations of Z2 flights remain “normal and uninterrupted” across its network of operated airports.
“AirAsia Philippines has been given until June 6, 2026 to settle its outstanding financial obligations,” it confirmed. “The Authority and the airline have been in discussion on this matter since last year.”
Lastly, CAAP said that it continues to coordinate closely with the airlines regarding their financial obligations to the Authority to ensure full regulatory compliance and the orderly conduct of airport and aviation operations.