AirAsia Philippines Cancels Flights Between Manila And Iloilo, Leading To Significant Travel Disruption Due To Mt. Kanlaon Eruption: New Updates You Need To Know – Travel And Tour World

AirAsia Philippines has announced the cancellation of several flights between Manila and Iloilo following the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, resulting in significant travel disruption. The airline took this precautionary measure in response to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) declaring Alert Level 3, signaling heightened volcanic activity and the potential threat to aviation safety. As the eruption caused a substantial ash plume, AirAsia prioritized the safety of its passengers and crew by suspending flights to and from the affected regions. The decision is part of the airline’s commitment to safeguarding travelers and ensuring a prompt return to normal operations once conditions improve.

In light of the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon at approximately 2:55 AM on Tuesday morning, AirAsia Philippines has taken precautionary steps by canceling flights to and from Bacolod and Iloilo. This decision follows the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) declaring Alert Level 3, indicating increased volcanic unrest. The airline is closely monitoring the situation and working in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew.

List of Canceled AirAsia Flights Due to Mt. Kanlaon Eruption

“In view of the ongoing activity of Mt. Kanlaon, we have adjusted flight schedules as a proactive measure to ensure safety and well-being of our guests and crew. We are continuously coordinating with aviation authorities and will resume operations as soon as conditions permit,” AirAsia Philippines Communications and Corporate Affairs Head, First Officer Steve Dailisan.

AirAsia has announced several options for passengers whose flights have been canceled or delayed for more than three hours due to the ongoing volcanic activity. These options are designed to provide flexibility and minimize inconvenience during this challenging time.

1. Free Flight Change: Passengers who wish to reschedule their flights may do so without incurring any additional charges. They can change to any available flight date within 30 days from their original departure date, subject to seat availability on the same route. This option ensures that passengers have the flexibility to choose a new travel date that suits their plans once the situation stabilizes.
2. Credit Account: Passengers who prefer not to reschedule their flights can opt to retain the value of their canceled flight in their AirAsia BIG Member account. This credit can be redeemed for future travel with AirAsia, allowing the guest to make a new booking within two years (730 calendar days) from the original booking date. The new travel date can be any time within the airline’s published flight schedule, providing ample time for guests to plan their next journey.
3. Full Refund: For those who prefer to cancel their travel altogether, AirAsia offers a full refund equivalent to the original booking amount. Refunds will be processed back to the original payment method. Passengers who wish to request a refund can do so via the airline’s customer support platform, AskBo, at support.airasia.com. If a booking was made through a travel agent, including online travel agencies, the refund process must be handled directly through the agency where the booking was made.

For passengers seeking to make booking changes online, AirAsia has streamlined the process to make it as easy as possible. Travelers can visit AirAsia MOVE or airasia.com to access their booking. From the available categories, passengers should select “Booking Changes,” then “Flight Change,” and choose “My flight was changed by AirAsia.” After that, they can simply follow the instructions to complete their booking modifications. This convenient option allows passengers to manage their bookings quickly and easily from the comfort of their homes.

In the midst of this challenging situation, AirAsia is committed to keeping passengers informed. The airline is advising all travelers to regularly check the status of their flights and monitor important updates on the AirAsia website (airasia.com) or through the Flight Status page. This will ensure that passengers have the latest information on any flight delays, cancellations, or operational changes as a result of the ongoing volcanic activity. As conditions surrounding Mt. Kanlaon are constantly evolving, AirAsia is dedicated to providing timely updates to all affected travelers.

The cancellation of flights to Bacolod and Iloilo is a precautionary measure taken to ensure passenger safety amidst the heightened volcanic activity. The eruption of Mt. Kanlaon released a significant ash plume, which rose several kilometers into the sky, prompting the PHIVOLCS to issue the Alert Level 3 warning. This level indicates that the volcano is experiencing increasing unrest, which poses potential risks to aviation safety in the surrounding areas.

At Alert Level 3, it is advised that people living within a 6-kilometer radius of the volcano remain evacuated until conditions improve. AirAsia, in coordination with local authorities and aviation bodies, is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to resume normal operations once the safety of the airspace and surrounding areas can be assured.

The safety of its passengers remains AirAsia’s top priority, and the airline is making every effort to minimize disruption to travel plans. However, given the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity, the airline encourages all passengers to remain flexible with their travel plans. AirAsia’s commitment to passenger well-being extends beyond flight operations and includes providing clear and accessible options for affected travelers to make changes, seek refunds, or reschedule their flights without additional stress.

As the situation with Mt. Kanlaon continues to develop, AirAsia urges all passengers to stay vigilant, follow official government updates, and adhere to any safety guidelines or evacuation orders issued by local authorities. The airline’s team is working around the clock to provide the best possible support and ensure that the impact of the eruption on travel is managed as smoothly as possible.

For more information and to make necessary changes to your booking, AirAsia passengers are encouraged to visit the airline’s website at airasia.com or use the AirAsia MOVE platform for the most up-to-date flight details and booking modifications. Additionally, AirAsia’s dedicated customer service team is available through AskBo at support.airasia.com to assist with any refund requests or booking inquiries.

AirAsia Philippines has canceled several flights between Manila and Iloilo due to the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, causing major travel disruption. The airline took this step after PHIVOLCS raised Alert Level 3, indicating increased volcanic activity and potential risks to aviation safety.

AirAsia Philippines is grateful for the understanding and cooperation of its passengers during this challenging period, and the airline remains committed to restoring full flight services as soon as it is safe to do so. Passengers are urged to continue to monitor the situation, and the airline will provide further updates as they become available.