KUALA LUMPUR – The Philippines has ordered AirAsia’s digital platform to halt ticket sales in the country amid allegations of charging exorbitant fares.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon announced at a press conference on June 2 that the Civil Aeronautics Board had issued a cease-and-desist order, prompting police to take down AirAsia Move’s website, Bloomberg reported.
The aviation regulator, responsible for capping airfare prices, accused the platform of inflating fares following transport disruptions in Tacloban City caused by the closure of a critical bridge for trucks.
“We will really put the full force of the law on these unscrupulous online platforms that are taking advantage of our people,” Dizon said.
He further revealed plans to file criminal charges of “economic sabotage” against the digital service, which is owned by Capital A Berhad.
AirAsia Move, a Malaysia-based affiliate of the budget carrier Philippines AirAsia, had yet to respond to requests for comment.
Over the weekend, the platform listed a one-way ticket from Manila to Tacloban City — a flight of approximately 570 kilometres and around one hour in duration — at 77,000 pesos (RM5,900) via Philippine Airlines.
This was nearly three times the price quoted when booking directly through the flag carrier’s website, according to data from the Transportation Ministry. – June 2, 2025