AirAsia Move faces P6M fine over ‘excessive,’ ‘unreasonable’ fares - DOTr

Metro Manila, Philippines - Online travel agency AirAsia Move is facing millions in penalty for “excessive” and “unreasonable” fares in its booking platform after being flagged for offering a one-way local flight that cost almost P40,000, the Transportation Department said.

In a statement on Friday, June 27, the agency commended the Civil Aeronautics Board to penalize the platform for P6 million, saying it will “not tolerate any form of abuse to Filipino passengers.”

“The DOTr will continue to protect the rights of the commuting public and to hold accountable those who violate established consumer protection regulations,” it said.

NewsWatch Plus sought comment from the travel agency.

In an earlier statement, AirAsia Move denied manipulating airfares and profiteering from customers.

It insisted that upon an internal probe, there was no booking transaction and no passengers were affected by the displayed fare flagged by the DOTr.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon earlier asked the Philippine National Police cybercrime unit to take down the booking platform and warned of filing a criminal complaint for economic sabotage against the company.