AirAsia Philippines Fuels Surge in Long-Haul Exploration: Almaty Traffic Soars 1,000%

AirAsia Philippines Fuels Surge in Long-Haul Exploration: Almaty Traffic Soars 1,000%

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | November 5, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino travelers are actively expanding their global horizons, with AirAsia Philippines reporting a remarkable surge in demand for its “Fly-Thru” long-haul destinations. Data for 2026 reveals a dramatic shift towards more adventurous itineraries, spearheaded by an astounding 1,000% increase in travel to Almaty, Kazakhstan.

AirAsia Philippines’ passenger data, comparing 2025 to 2026, distinctly highlights this evolving travel landscape. Beyond Almaty’s exceptional growth, other “Fly-Thru” destinations have also experienced significant uplifts: Phnom Penh, Cambodia, rose by 705%; Penang, Malaysia, by 50%; and New Delhi, India, by 43%.

These figures underscore a burgeoning opportunity for Filipino adventurers to delve deeper into Asia and beyond, facilitated by AirAsia’s expansive network and seamless “Fly-Thru” service. This innovative offering enables passengers to connect to multiple destinations with a single, convenient booking, eliminating the complexities of separate flights.

Anna Victoria Lu, AirAsia President and General Manager, commented on this exciting trend: “It is incredibly encouraging to witness Filipinos embracing a wider spectrum of destinations. Modern travel transcends familiar holiday spots; it’s about authentic discovery, immersive cultural experiences, and forging more profound memories. Almaty’s robust growth exemplifies this changing paradigm. Through AirAsia’s ‘Fly-Thru’ network, we are committed to making these journeys more accessible and effortless, empowering more Filipinos to explore further and discover more at competitive fares.”

Beyond Direct Routes: Unleashing Global Adventures with AirAsia Fly-Thru

AirAsia “Fly-Thru” unlocks a world of international adventures for Filipino travelers, from the majestic mountains of Almaty to the pristine beaches of the Maldives and Bali.

Seamless Connections from Manila:

• Central Asia: Almaty, Kazakhstan (ALA)
• India:  Jaipur (JAI), New Delhi (DEL)
• Southeast Asia: Penang, Malaysia (PEN); Phuket (HKT), Chiang Mai (CNX), Thailand; Shenzhen, China (SZX); Yangon, Myanmar (RGN); Sarawak (KCH), Sabah (TWU, SDK), Malaysia
• Indian Ocean:  Maldives (MLE), Sri Lanka (CMB)

Expanding Horizons from Cebu:

• Southeast Asia: Penang, Malaysia (PEN); Bali, Indonesia (DPS); Siem Reap, Cambodia (SAI); Hanoi (HAN), Da Nang (DAD), Vietnam; Singapore (SIN); Phuket (HKT); Jakarta, Indonesia (CGK); Phnom Penh, Cambodia (PNH)
• Indian Ocean: Sri Lanka (CMB)

With competitive fares and strategically located “Fly-Thru” hubs in Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, and Bangkok, AirAsia offers unparalleled access to destinations previously considered complex or out of reach, all through one streamlined booking.

Limited-Time Opportunity: AirAsia’s Biggest Fly-Thru Sale

To celebrate this expanded accessibility, AirAsia Philippines is launching its biggest “Fly-Thru” sale from November 3 to November 9. This exclusive offer provides Filipinos with even more opportunities to explore international destinations, with fares starting as low as Php 7,699.

Experience Effortless Global Travel: The AirAsia Fly-Thru Advantage

AirAsia “Fly-Thru” fundamentally simplifies connecting flights, transforming travel to distant locales into a seamless experience. Key benefits include:

• Unified Booking: Consolidate multiple flight segments into a single, straightforward reservation.
• Single Check-in Process: Proceed directly to your connecting gate, minimizing transit complexities.
• Automated Baggage Transfer: Checked luggage is efficiently transferred directly to your final destination.
• Extensive Network Access: Connect to over 130 destinations across Asia and Australia within the comprehensive AirAsia network.
• Premium Comfort: Option to upgrade to a Premium Flatbed on eligible routes for enhanced journey comfort.

Guests can conveniently check in online via the AirAsia MOVE app or website. For checked baggage, passengers can print bag tags at a self-check-in kiosk before depositing luggage at the designated drop-off counter or check in directly at the AirAsia Philippines counter. AirAsia ensures seamless transfer by affixing a green “Fly-Thru” sticker to all eligible bags.

Upon arrival at the transit airport, travelers simply follow clear transfer signs, complete necessary security and immigration procedures, and proceed to their connecting gate. At the final destination, retrieve checked baggage at the carousel, clear customs, and commence their adventure.

For comprehensive details on “Fly-Thru,” connecting flight options, and transit procedures, visit AirAsia Fly-Thru.

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