AIRASIA said on Tuesday it is canceling some of its flights between the Philippines and South Korea in compliance with the government’s directive imposing travel restrictions due to the current public health situation caused by the novel coronavirus, “until further notified by the government.”
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III last week announced the country’s travel ban travel to South Korea, while also prohibiting the entry of travelers coming from North Gyeongsang and Daegu province, where there was a spike of Covid-19 infections.
The authorities banned travel to South Korea, except those who are permanent residents, students who will fly to study and overseas Filipino workers. On the other hand, those coming from North Gyeongsang province or Gyeongbuk, including Daegu and Cheongdo County, are not allowed to enter the Philippines.
“Travel to South Korea will be temporarily suspended” with certain exceptions,” Duque said in a televised briefing in Manila last week.
AirAsia said their temporary ban includes selected flights between Manila and Seoul-Incheon, Cebu and Seoul-Incheon, Kalibo and Seoul-Incheon, as well as Kalibo and Busan.
“Flights to South Korea from Clark will continue their normal operations, as well as selected flights from Manila, Cebu and Kalibo,” the carrier said.
AirAsia said guests may check on their flights via the “Flight Status” function on the airasia.com web site and mobile app.
“All affected guests will be promptly notified via e-mail or SMS. AirAsia strongly encourages guests to update their contact details using the “My Bookings” feature on airasia.com to ensure that they receive timely notifications.”
The low-cost carrier said it is making provisions for guests affected by the flight cancellations and travel restrictions following the Philippine government’s latest directive:
- Move flight: One-time flight change to a new travel date on the same route within 30 calendar days from the original flight time without additional cost, subject to seat availability; or,
- Credit account: Retain the value of your fare in your AirAsia BIG Loyalty account for future travel with AirAsia. The online credit account is to be redeemed for booking within 90 calendar days from the issuance date for your travel with us. The actual travel dates can be after the expiry date as long as our flight schedule is out; or,
- Full refund: Obtain a full refund to your original payment method for the amount equivalent to your booking.
For bookings made through travel agents including online travel agents, refund requests are to be made via the respective travel agents.
“AirAsia assures that the safety and well-being of our guests and Allstars is our top priority, and is complying with advice and regulations from the local government, civil aviation authorities, global and local health agencies, including the World Health Organization.”
Previously canceled flights due to the travel ban imposed by the Philippine government include those to/from mainland China cities (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai), and Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions (SAR).
Flights from the Philippines to Taipei and Kaohsiung have resumed since February 20, the airline said.