AirAsia Philippines, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT), is making significant strides in promoting the Philippines as an accessible and welcoming destination for Muslim travelers.
Recognized by the DOT as the first Muslim-friendly airline in the country, AirAsia Philippines now offers Halal-certified meal options on all its domestic and international flights (Z2). Moreover, this initiative supports the DOT’s goal of increasing Muslim tourist arrivals and showcases AirAsia’s commitment to delivering an inclusive travel experience for all passengers.
With approximately 15 million Muslims living in the Philippines, AirAsia recognizes the importance of catering to this significant demographic.
“AirAsia Philippines takes pride in breaking barriers to travel and making our services more inclusive for all, especially for our Muslim travelers. We are very bullish. We will make this partnership stronger, bigger, and more successful. We understand that airlines play a vital role in the Halal promotion as we are one of the frontiers of consumer journey in tourism. Hence, we continue to be agile and enhance our offerings so that everyone feels welcomed and truly at home when they visit our beautiful country,” said AirAsia Philippines CEO, Ricky Isla.
Exciting New Menu Launch
Starting January 16, AirAsia Philippines passengers will try a new menu from Santan, the airline’s in-flight food and beverage brand. The highlight—a flavorful Halal-certified dish—Beef Rendang with Chicken Pastil—available for just PHP 220. This dish draws inspiration from the culinary traditions of the 11 tribes of Davao and created through AirAsia’s partnership with the Universal Islamic Center (UIC) during the Halal-Friendly Culinary Cup in Davao last August.
Supporting DOT’s Tourism Goals
In addition to its Halal food offerings, AirAsia Philippines is also working closely with the DOT to boost domestic tourism. The airline plans to increase flight frequencies to key destinations like Cebu, Caticlan, and Cagayan de Oro, contributing to the department’s efforts to drive tourist revenue and make the Philippines a premier Muslim-friendly destination.
“As part of our strategy to become a Muslim-friendly tourism destination, we have ensured that the touch points of Muslim tourists in the country are properly addressed. We anticipate that the Santan menu will add even more dishes that are inclusive to our communities in the country bringing more delight to our travelers. Also, I am heartened to know that the focus of AirAsia will be on the expansion of domestic tourism in the country. This memorandum that we have signed today is a testament to the power of collaboration reflecting our shared aspiration for an inclusive and globally competitive Philippine tourism industry,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
Santan’s Growing Popularity
In 2024, Santan served an impressive 535,000 meals, up from 480,000 in 2023, reflecting the growing popularity of its menu offerings. Santan’s diverse menu already includes Halal-certified favorites such as Nasi Lemak and Chicken Rice, alongside iconic Filipino dishes like Chicken Inasal, developed through a collaboration with JT’s Manukan. All meals are prepared to strict Halal standards, ensuring they meet the dietary needs of Muslim passengers while offering delicious choices for everyone.
Furthermore, through its Halal-certified offerings and a strong commitment to promoting inclusive travel, AirAsia Philippines is helping shape the future of Muslim-friendly tourism in the Philippines.