28 Oct 2026, Manila — AirAsia Philippines is increasing its Manila–Kaohsiung service from four to seven flights weekly this October, opening more opportunities for Filipino travelers to explore Southern Taiwan and discover destinations beyond the usual tourist circuit.
Kaohsiung provides access to nearby destinations such as Pingtung, the southernmost county of Taiwan’s main island, approximately a 25-minute drive from Kaohsiung International Airport.
Building on this improved connectivity, AirAsia Philippines and the Pingtung County Government are teaming up to introduce the county’s destinations, culture and experiences to the Philippine market.
“With more Filipinos showing strong interest in traveling abroad, Taiwan remains our top route. We’re proud to work closely with the Pingtung County Government to uncover new destinations and give our travelers even more options, especially this time as everyone is planning their holiday trips and a lot are keen on finding new places to visit.” AirAsia Philippines President & General Manager Anna Victoria Lu said.
“Pingtung has a very diverse group of people, so you can experience many different kinds of culture beyond night markets. For Filipino travelers, Pingtung offers a chance to discover another side of Taiwan, from vibrant Indigenous traditions and scenic coastlines to farm activities, ocean adventures, and natural hot springs, showcasing the island’s rich culture and natural beauty beyond its cities.” Vice Director Jui-yu Chang, Transportation and Tourism Department, Pingtung County Government shares.
The partnership aims to encourage Filipinos who have visited Taiwan before to return and discover a different side of the island. Located in southern Taiwan, Pingtung offers a distinctive geographic connection to the Philippines through the Bashi Channel, which separates Taiwan from Batanes, the country’s northernmost province.
Travelers can discover Pingtung through a variety of cultural, marine and outdoor experiences. Here are some of the things travelers can look forward to in Pingtung:
Explore the Shanchuan Glass Suspension Bridge, a 262-meter-long bridge featuring glass bead-inspired designs that celebrate the Indigenous cultures of the Paiwan and Rukai peoples, with scenic views of Pingtung’s lush mountains.
Try glass bead-making at Shatao Glass Art Space and experience the artistry behind this distinctive craft.
Discover Japanese-inspired streets and houses, then bike around the V.I.P. Zone Japanese-style Dormitory Group to experience the century-old culture of a military dependents’ village.
For a unique overnight adventure, enjoy the Sleep with the Fishes experience at the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, where guests can sleep inside the aquarium, while looking at the various sea creatures, including beluga whales.
Visit Eluanbi Lighthouse, Taiwan’s southernmost landmark, surrounded by lush greenery and scenic ocean views, just across the sea from Itbayat, Batanes, in the northern Philippines.
Supported by its affordability and visa-free access, Taiwan ranks among the top three overseas destinations for Filipinos in 2026, according to the Department of Tourism.
AirAsia Philippines’ booking data further reflects this demand, with Taipei and Kaohsiung ranking among the airline’s top five international destinations in 2026.
Travelers flying with AirAsia Philippines to Kaohsiung can enjoy a more convenient journey with added-value options designed to make every trip easier. The Value Pack bundles checked baggage, seat selection, Santan meals, and travel inconvenience coverage in one booking and can be purchased up to four hours before departure. Guests can also savor Filipino favorites such as JT’s Inasal and Beef Tapa onboard, with meals starting at PHP300, while AirAsia’s no-limit baggage option lets travelers check in multiple bags within their purchased 20kg to 60kg total baggage allowance, with each bag weighing no more than 32kg.
***PR28102026***
About AirAsia Philippines
AirAsia is a leading low-cost carrier with licenses to operate in five Asean countries – Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Cambodia. Founded in 2001, AirAsia has stayed true to its purpose and tagline “Now Everyone Can Fly”. The airline has made flying affordable and accessible to over 900 million guests, connecting people and communities across more than 150 destinations. Today, as one of the largest airlines in the region, AirAsia is expanding to become the world’s first global low-cost network carrier. It operates more than 250 aircraft and holds a significant orderbook for the next decade. AirAsia leads in sustainable aviation with green initiatives and a net zero target by 2050. In 2025, it avoided 135,788 tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2025 through 19 fuel efficiency initiatives, achieving US$30,939,120 in fuel savings and over US$2,715,767 in shadow carbon cost reductions.
