
“We are happy to have successfully launched our maiden flight. The pandemic may have pushed back the opening but it also allowed us to focus on strengthening the viability of this route,” said AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla during the maiden flight to Capiz which departed the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at past 7 a.m.
AirAsia is scheduled to have Manila to Roxas City and vice versa flights three times a week -- every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
“The flights will certainly boost the local economy. It will open cross-border trades and bring more investments and increase tourism,” said Capiz Gov. Esteban Evan “Nonoy” Contreras II.
“From food, history, culture, and tourism to economic opportunities, Capiz shows huge promise in terms of growth and development for Panay Island as we are in the recovery phase,” added Isla.
The AirAsia flights are seen to boost tourism in the province known as the "Seafood Capital" while giving local residents more options to fly in and out during the week.
These flights are also seen to cater to locals and tourists going to northern Iloilo, which is closer in proximity than the Iloilo Airport. One of the key attractions is Islas de Gigantes in Carles, Iloilo.