AirAsia raises US$250k for post-disaster recovery through 'To the Philippines with love'

AirAsia has raised 15 million pesos (US$254,700) through its “To the Philippines with love” campaign to support post-disaster rehabilitation and recovery efforts in Cebu following a series of earthquakes and typhoons in late 2025.

The fundraising total was announced during a concert for a cause held in Cebu on 16 January, which formed part of the campaign. The event drew more than 40,000 attendees, transforming this year’s Sinulog celebrations into a large-scale show of solidarity, while reinforcing AirAsia’s positioning around regional connectivity and community-led recovery.

At the heart of the campaign was a seat-linked donation mechanic tied to the reopening of AirAsia Philippines’ Cebu hub in November 2025. For every seat sold between 15 November 2025 and 14 January 2026, the AirAsia Group committed 15 pesos (US$0.25) to the recovery fund.

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“This concert is driven by the purpose of standing with Cebu as it rebuilds. Cebu is a key part of our Philippine and ASEAN network, which is why we’re constantly finding meaningful ways - through this concert and donation drive - to support the whole community where it is needed most,” said AirAsia Philippines president and CEO Capt. Suresh Bangah.

The funds will be channelled through AirAsia Foundation, the airline group’s philanthropic arm, which will oversee beneficiary selection and implementation in collaboration with grassroots partners. Among them is Bike Scouts, a Philippines-based social enterprise with more than a decade of experience in disaster response.

The proceeds will be allocated towards strengthening post-disaster resilience and preparedness, rebuilding livelihoods, and restoring shared community infrastructure - particularly in disaster hotspots and areas cut off from immediate aid. Vulnerable groups are expected to be prioritised as part of the recovery efforts.

“The ‘To the Philippines with love’ campaign reflects the power of collective action to help rebuild community livelihoods. Through AirAsia Foundation and our local partners, we are committed to ensuring that these funds translate into long-term resilience, stronger livelihoods, and safer communities for Cebuanos as they recover and move forward,” said Yap Mun Ching, executive director of AirAsia Foundation and chief sustainability officer of AirAsia.

The campaign also reinforces AirAsia’s long-standing disaster response track record in the Philippines. In 2013, the airline raised 97 million pesos (US$1.6 million) for communities affected by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), partnering with organisations including the Philippine Red Cross and Rags2Riches.

Beyond humanitarian efforts, the airline is continuing to strengthen Cebu’s role within its regional network. AirAsia confirmed plans to launch new direct international routes from Cebu, connecting travellers to Thailand, Vietnam, and new destinations in Malaysia - further embedding the city within its broader ASEAN connectivity strategy.

Since its establishment in 2012, AirAsia Foundation has raised and distributed more than US$4 million for post-disaster recovery across the region, supporting communities affected by crises such as Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, the Palu tsunami in Indonesia, and major floods in Malaysia.

AirAsia Philippines is also boosting domestic travel during the festival season with its AirAsia Fiesta Sale, offering one-way base fares from as low as 115 pesos (US$1.95) to destinations including Cebu, Iloilo, and Kalibo, with travel valid through November 2026.

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