AirAsia launches direct flights to Boracay

Tourists sunbathe on Boracay island

Low-cost airline AirAsia is set to launch direct flights from Macau to Kalibo (Boracay) on March 2, the third route to the Philippines that departs from the SAR.

Flights are scheduled to depart thrice a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, at 10:55 a.m. for flights from Boracay; and at 2 p.m. for flights from Macau.

“Boracay is regarded as a premier island in the Philippines. […] We are very happy to bring our passengers [to the island],” said Celia Lao, CEO of Airasia Hong Kong and Macau,” said Celia Lao, CEO of AirAsia Hong Kong and Macau.

“It is believed that the direct flights from Macau to Kalibo (Boracay) will drive the tourism industry [and] we encourage Hong Kong, Macau and Pearl River Delta passengers to explore the unique island resort in Boracay through Air- Asia,” the statement read.

The airline has launched promotional fares, which starts from MOP288 for one way flights.

Boracay reopened in October after Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte called for a six-month closing for a cleanup operation.

Following the rehabilitation and restoration of the island, it set out new rules including a ban to smoking and drinking, along with halting large parties.

Its carrying capacity is also lowered to around 19,215 persons per day.

In the first quarter of 2018, data show that there were over 553,000 tourists that visited the island in the province of Aklan.