AirAsia mounts flights between Clark, Incheon

AirAsia Philippines has begun flights between Clark International Airport in Pampanga and South Korea’s Incheon International Airport near Seoul.

In a statement on Monday, the budget airline said it would serve the South Korean city via Clark three times per week, or every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The route was inaugurated on Jan. 19.

“We are staying true to our commitment to provide the much needed international connectivity and convenience for travelers in Metro Manila, Central, and Northern Luzon,” AirAsia Philippines director for Flight Operations Gomer B. Monreal said in the statement.

AirAsia also serves Korea through Manila, Cebu, and Kalibo while domestic flights from Clark include Cebu, Davao, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban, Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro.

AirAsia Philippines started flights in Clark in 2012.

It halted operations there barely a year later following the acquisition of a significant stake in Zest Airways, then controlled by businessman Alfredo Yao, the founder of Zest-O juice. This gave AirAsia access to valuable slots in Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, where the airline also decided to focus and expand its operations.

AirAsia Philippines decided to return to Clark in March 2017 amid a government push for carriers to move flights away from Naia, which was experiencing worsening congestion.

“The future of aviation, travel, and tourism is taking shape in Clark. Now more than ever, Clark is truly saving us from air traffic congestion, and enabling airlines and travelers to enjoy the convenience of traveling,” Monreal said. —MIGUEL R. CAMUS