AirAsia boosts ASEAN tourism with 3,200 weekly flights this year

The AirAsia Group announced a significant increase in its domestic and international flight frequencies with 3,281 flights weekly across 10 ASEAN countries to further elevate tourism and economic growth in the region. 

The announcement coincided with the 57th ASEAN Day celebration held at AirAsia RedQ in collaboration with Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia.

AirAsia Group chief executive Bo Lingam said: ”In 2023, AirAsia carried over 61 million guests, with more than 33 percent travelling across ASEAN. Over the years, the airline has been a transformative force in ASEAN, democratising air travel for millions while unveiling both the well-trodden paths and hidden gems of the region’s tourism market with about 60 percent of destinations being new and unique. 

The airline also announced the resumption of its route from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Da Lat, Vietnam, with four weekly flights starting 1 November. This route reinstatement to one of Vietnam’s most picturesque cities, known for its cool climate, beautiful landscapes, and rich cultural heritage is part of AirAsia’s broader strategy to reinforce its network and provide more affordable travel options within ASEAN.

The AirAsia Group also looks forward to welcoming 75 million guests on board this year, with half of these travellers expected to come from the ASEAN region.

A boost in regional tourism

The increased frequencies and the resumed routes are expected to significantly boost tourism by providing more travel options and flexibility. 

This will lead to higher tourist arrivals, increased spending in local businesses, and the creation of jobs in the tourism sector. 

In line with this, AirAsia MOVE signed a collaboration agreement with ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA), represented by its president Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga, solidifying ASEANTA’s support in terms of endorsement and member associations outreach as well as the ASEAN National Tourism Organisations towards the ASEAN Explorer Pass, AirAsia MOVE’s signature travel subscription product.

Believing in the power of ASEAN unity

The AirAsia Group’s expansion of its operational footprint, with major hubs in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia, reflects an unwavering belief in the power and potential of ASEAN unity and strength as an economic bloc. 

By doing so, AirAsia supports the ASEAN Economic Community’s vision of creating a single market and production base. 

This also reduces airlines’ operational costs through common standards: one air-traffic-control system, one engineering system, an open skies policy, and common ownership.

AirAsia aims to strengthen its regional presence and looks forward to leveraging its extensive network, increased frequencies, and robust operational capabilities across the region to strengthen integration and foster greater cooperation among member states, contributing to a more interconnected region.