As nations gear up for post-pandemic recovery, AirAsia actively promotes relaxed travel restrictions. The airline firmly believes that with eased border restrictions, domestic and international flights will improve and stimulate economic activities that are essential in boosting the tourism sector.
It is visible that many countries are effectively battling the two-year-old pandemic as vaccination rates soar and people have made it their lifestyle to comply with the standard health and safety protocols of using face masks and social distancing.
AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes stated in his LinkedIn account that people may have mastered following these protocols but what they do not realize is the “futility of long-term travel restrictions”. Moreover, he also stated that implementing these restrictions should be done with the greater good in mind and not just to be seen as an act of decisiveness. He added, “Measures should always aim to be proportionate and be minimally disruptive.”
AirAsia has also expressed its full support for the Philippine government’s plan to inoculate 90 million unvaccinated individuals by the first half of 2022. Currently, 59.81 million Filipinos have been fully vaccinated, 60.65 million have gotten their first dose, and over 8 million have received their booster shots. On February 10-11, the inoculation of minors aged from 11 to 15 will commence.
As the Philippines finally decided to ease travel and quarantine protocols for fully vaccinated travelers, CEO Tony Fernandes furthermore expressed their appreciation for the nation’s positive approach towards travel. He also hopes that other ASEAN countries will follow the step the Philippines has taken and see relaxed border restrictions as ways to lead them to economic recovery. He said, “We at AirAsia will continue to support such measures while also consistently being a champion of safe travel”.
It was announced that nine of AirAsia’s domestic destinations namely, Cebu, Clark, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos City, Davao, Tagbilaran, Kalibo, Caticlan and Tacloban, would no longer require a negative RT-PCR test for fully vaccinated passengers. A negative antigen test is required for guests who wish to travel to Puerto Princesa City.
As for unvaccinated minors aged 17 and below, they are also being accepted as long as they abide by the guidelines set by the respective Local Government Units they will visit.
