MANILA — AirAsia Philippines announced the opening of two new international routes to Vietnam, offering Filipino travelers more affordable options to explore Southeast Asia. Beginning March 20, 2026, the airline will operate flights from Manila to Hanoi and Manila to Da Nang, with one‑way base fares starting at ₱888, exclusive of taxes and surcharges.

The promotional fares are available for booking until February 1, 2026, covering travel dates from March 20 to October 25, 2026. AirAsia said the expansion is part of its strategy to strengthen its international network and respond to growing demand for travel to Vietnam, which has become one of the most popular destinations for Filipino tourists.

According to Vietnam’s General Statistics Office, more than 400,000 Filipinos visited Vietnam in 2025, marking an 81.3 percent increase compared to the previous year. The surge in tourism reflects Vietnam’s rising appeal, with its rich culture, cuisine, and natural attractions drawing travelers from across the region.

AirAsia’s new routes will be operated by Airbus A320 aircraft, with four weekly flights scheduled for each destination. The Manila–Da Nang service will depart at 6:05 a.m. and arrive at 7:35 a.m., while the return flight leaves Da Nang at 8:55 a.m. and lands in Manila at 12:25 p.m. For the Manila–Hanoi route, flights will depart at 5:30 p.m. and arrive at 7:40 p.m., with return flights leaving Hanoi at 8:40 p.m. and arriving in Manila at 1:00 a.m. the following day.

AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla said the new Vietnam flights reflect the airline’s commitment to providing affordable travel opportunities: “We are excited to connect Filipinos to more destinations in Vietnam, a country that continues to grow in popularity among our guests. This expansion strengthens our presence in Southeast Asia and supports tourism recovery in the region.”

The launch of these routes comes as airlines across Asia ramp up international services to meet pent‑up demand following years of pandemic restrictions. Vietnam, in particular, has positioned itself as a key tourism hub, with cities like Hanoi and Da Nang offering a mix of historical landmarks, beaches, and vibrant street food culture.

If Flying Abroad Is Cheaper, What Does That Say About Local Travel?

₱888 flights to Vietnam sound like a win for Filipino travelers. They are. But they also expose an uncomfortable truth. It is often cheaper to leave the country than to explore it.

Plane tickets to local destinations like Siargao or Batanes can reach ₱30,000, especially during peak seasons. For many families, that price alone ends the conversation. A foreign trip becomes the more practical option, not the luxury.

This gap points to deeper issues. Limited competition, high fees, fragile regional airports, and policy choices shape airfare more than demand. Tourism suffers when Filipinos are priced out of their own islands.

Affordable travel should connect citizens to their country, not push them away.

If it costs more to see Siargao or Batanes than to fly abroad, what does that say about how local travel is being managed?