The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has slapped a ₱6 million penalty against AirAsia MOVE for “excessive and unreasonable” airfares, a development that strengthens government enforcement of consumer protection measures in air transport.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) hailed the penalty as a significant step in implementing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure accessible, fair, and affordable travel for all Filipinos.
“The ₱6 million penalty imposed on AirAsia MOVE sends a clear message: the government will not tolerate any form of abuse to Filipino passengers,” the DOTr said in a statement, emphasizing its commitment to protecting public welfare and ensuring regulatory compliance.
The CAB penalty followed a high-profile complaint by Leyte Representative Richard Gomez and Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, who were charged over ₱77,000 for a one-way Tacloban to Manila flight for two passengers—booked via AirAsia MOVE.
On 26 May, the CAB issued a cease and desist order against AirAsia MOVE, barring it from offering or promoting tickets of other Philippine carriers at prices exceeding the agency’s approved fare structures. The regulator said that online platforms must comply with established pricing standards, regardless of whether they operate as direct carriers or third-party vendors.
AirAsia MOVE, for its part, has pledged full cooperation with government regulators and committed to implementing reforms to ensure transparent and fair pricing practices.
The DOTr reiterated its resolve to hold violators accountable, stating it will continue to strengthen regulatory oversight to uphold the rights of the commuting public.
This case is widely seen as a landmark enforcement of consumer protection in the aviation sector, signaling a firmer stance against digital platforms and airlines that engage in exploitative pricing.
The travel-and-lifestyle platform is operated by MOVE Digital whose executive chairman, Tony Fernandes, is co-founder and CEO of budget airline AirAsia.
