AirAsia Philippines is facing a potential suspension of operations across government-managed airports in the country after the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) issued a cease-and-desist order over unpaid airport and aviation service charges.
According to reporting by Bilyonaryo, CAAP directed AirAsia Philippines to stop operating within its jurisdiction within three days of receiving the order dated 2 June 2026. The regulator also prohibited the airline from using airport facilities under its control unless prior written authorisation is granted.
The enforcement action marks a significant escalation in a long-running payment dispute between the aviation regulator and the low-cost carrier.
In the order, CAAP Director-General Raul del Rosario cited the airline's continued failure to settle outstanding obligations despite multiple collection efforts undertaken by the authority.
CAAP records indicate that AirAsia Philippines accumulated PHP271.94 million in unpaid charges between 2021 and May 2026.
The outstanding amount covers several categories of aviation-related fees, including:
• Air navigation charges
• Landing fees
• Parking charges
• Passenger service charges
According to the regulator, the total does not yet include applicable penalties and interest that may arise from the unpaid obligations.
The latest order follows earlier attempts by the authority to recover the outstanding payments.
CAAP said it had previously issued a formal letter of demand to the airline on 11 May 2026. However, the regulator stated in its 2 June directive that it had not received any payment, settlement proposal or alternative arrangement by the stipulated deadline.
The authority concluded that stronger enforcement measures were necessary after collection efforts failed to produce a resolution.
The cease-and-desist order effectively places the airline's access to CAAP-managed airport infrastructure at risk if the dispute remains unresolved.
Government-managed airports play an important role in the Philippines' domestic aviation network, making the regulator's order a potentially significant operational challenge for the carrier.
The directive specifically prevents the airline from utilising airport facilities under CAAP jurisdiction without written approval. Any disruption to airport access could affect scheduled operations depending on how the situation develops in the coming days.
The regulator's action highlights the importance of airport and air navigation fee compliance within the aviation sector, where airport operators and authorities rely on such payments to support infrastructure, air traffic management and passenger services.
CAAP said the suspension order is being implemented without prejudice to any additional legal, administrative or civil actions that may be pursued to recover the alleged debt.
The authority has not indicated whether further enforcement measures will follow if the outstanding obligations remain unpaid.
The dispute now places focus on whether AirAsia Philippines and the regulator can reach a settlement that would allow operations at government-managed airports to continue without interruption. Any resolution will be closely watched by airlines, airport operators and industry stakeholders across the Philippine aviation market.
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