While some Filipino seafarers begin to return back to their work, more are still being flown home via AirAsia Philippines international chartered flights.
Last August 12, 2021, 70 Filipino seafarers were flown from Manila to Matalla Rajapaksa International Airport in Sri Lanka via flight Z28160. These seafarers recently renewed their contracts and had to return to the posts at the port of Colombo and Port of Hambatota in Sri Lanka. From their, they will begin to board their ships to travel around the world bringing essential cargo. These Filipino seafarers just finished their annual vacation.
Another set of 77 Filipino seafarers then boarded the return flight to Manila. From the NAIA terminal 3, the seafarers were brought to a hotel for the mandatory 14-day quarantine before they can be reunited with their families.
“AirAsia takes pride in being able to ensure the safe transport of our OFW’s here and abroad during these challenging times, which in turn assures the continuous trade of goods around the world. It’s an ecosystem that we are humbled to take part in.”
Steve Dailisan, AirAsia Philippines Spokesperson
AirAsia continues to fly between Manila and Sri Lanka
Due to the fact that Sri Lanka is a top destination of the Filipino mariners due to strong bilateral ties with the Philippines, AirAsia continues to mount flights to Sri Lanka to serve the Filipino seafarers need for direct connectivity. The Manila to Sri Lanka flight departs every Thursday at 9am. The return flight from from Matalla Rajapaksa International Airport departs at 4:00pm and arrives in Manila at 10:00pm.
AirAsia Philippines has flown 600 chartered repatriation and sweeper flights carrying around 50,000 Filipinos.
AirAsia Philippines also continues to work with local manning agencies to assist Filipino seafarers coming from and flying to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Batam in Indonesia based on demand.
