MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Filipino travelers looking for their next overseas adventure may have a new reason to explore Taiwan beyond the familiar streets of Taipei.
AirAsia Philippines is expanding its Manila–Kaohsiung flights from four to seven weekly services, opening more travel options for Filipinos interested in discovering Southern Taiwan’s coastal attractions, Indigenous heritage, natural landscapes and distinctive cultural experiences.
The airline announced the expansion on October 28, 2026, alongside a tourism partnership with the Pingtung County Government.
The initiative seeks to introduce Filipino visitors to a different side of Taiwan, from glass suspension bridges and traditional crafts to marine attractions, hot springs and coastal landmarks.
For AirAsia Philippines, the move reflects growing interest in Taiwan as an international destination.
But beyond the additional flights, the collaboration raises a bigger question:
Could Southern Taiwan become a major alternative to Taipei for Filipino tourists—or will limited awareness, transportation costs and competition from other Asian destinations slow its rise?
AirAsia increases Manila–Kaohsiung flights to seven weekly
AirAsia Philippines is adding three weekly services to its Manila–Kaohsiung route, increasing frequency from four to seven.
That represents a 75% increase in weekly frequency.
The additional flights are intended to give passengers greater flexibility when organizing vacations, family trips and other international travel.
A daily service may reduce the need to arrange itineraries around limited departure days.
However, seven weekly services does not mean the airline is operating seven flights every day.
It means one scheduled service per day on average.
The October 28 announcement does not specify a newly guaranteed promotional airfare or the precise date within October on which the additional frequency began.
Travelers should confirm flight details for their chosen departure dates.
AirAsia partners with Pingtung County Government
The airline is also working with the Pingtung County Government to promote Southern Taiwan to the Philippine market.
Pingtung is located in the southern part of Taiwan and offers a different tourism experience from the country’s largest cities.
The region is known for coastal landscapes, cultural heritage, marine attractions, outdoor activities and natural scenery.
The partnership highlights experiences suited to visitors who want to explore beyond conventional shopping districts and urban landmarks.
However, the announcement is primarily a tourism promotion and route expansion.
It does not confirm a new airport, a dedicated Philippine-to-Pingtung flight or a large government tourism investment.
Visitors will continue using Kaohsiung as an entry point before traveling onward.
Anna Victoria Lu sees stronger demand for Taiwan
AirAsia Philippines president and general manager Anna Victoria Lu said Taiwan remains a particularly important destination for the airline.
She noted that Filipino interest in overseas travel continues to support its international routes.
The Pingtung partnership is intended to offer customers new experiences, especially travelers planning upcoming holidays or returning to Taiwan for another visit.
According to AirAsia Philippines’ internal booking data, Taipei and Kaohsiung are among the airline’s five leading international destinations.
That ranking illustrates Taiwan’s importance within AirAsia Philippines’ network.
However, the figure should not be confused with a ranking of all international destinations across every airline operating in the Philippines.
Why Kaohsiung matters
Kaohsiung is a major city in southern Taiwan, with an international airport and connections to surrounding destinations.
For Filipino tourists, flying directly to Kaohsiung can be more convenient when the trip is centered on Taiwan’s southern attractions.
It may reduce the need to arrive in Taipei before traveling south.
The city can also serve as a base for exploring nearby areas and arranging trips to Pingtung.
However, travelers should compare total travel time, local transportation and accommodation costs.
A convenient direct flight does not automatically make every Southern Taiwan itinerary cheaper than visiting Taipei.
Pingtung offers another side of Taiwan
Pingtung County is the centerpiece of the new tourism collaboration.
Jui-yu Chang, vice director of the county government’s Transportation and Tourism Department, highlighted the region’s diverse cultural communities and natural attractions.
Visitors can explore Indigenous cultural traditions, farms, craft experiences, coastal scenery and outdoor recreation.
This positioning differs from the image of Taiwan built primarily around night markets, shopping and major city attractions.
The partnership aims to encourage tourists to spend time in destinations that may be less familiar to international visitors.
But tourism growth should also benefit local communities and preserve their cultural and environmental heritage.
Shanchuan Glass Suspension Bridge celebrates Indigenous heritage
One of the attractions highlighted is the Shanchuan Glass Suspension Bridge, also known as the Shanchuan Liouli Suspension Bridge.
The approximately 262-meter-long structure is known for its distinctive design and views over the surrounding landscape.
Its glass bead-inspired elements draw attention to the cultural heritage of the Paiwan and Rukai peoples.
For travelers, the bridge offers an opportunity to experience scenic views while learning about local cultural influences.
However, visitors should check operating hours, access arrangements and weather-related restrictions before traveling.
The attraction should not be described merely as a thrill ride without acknowledging the Indigenous cultural references behind its design.
Traditional glass bead-making offers a cultural experience
The tourism campaign also features traditional glass bead-making.
Such craftsmanship is connected with the artistic practices and cultural identity of communities in Southern Taiwan.
Visitors may have opportunities to learn about the meaning of bead designs and the skill involved in their production.
The Shatao Glass Art Space is among the cultural locations highlighted in other coverage of the partnership.
These experiences may appeal to travelers interested in arts, heritage and hands-on workshops.
However, specific sessions may require advance arrangements.
The airline’s announcement does not guarantee that every visitor will receive a complimentary workshop.
Japanese-era heritage sites add another attraction
Pingtung also has neighborhoods and buildings associated with different chapters of Taiwan’s history.
The campaign highlights Japanese-style heritage environments, including the V.I.P. Zone Japanese-style Dormitory Group.
These sites provide another perspective on the region beyond beaches and outdoor recreation.
Heritage destinations can help visitors understand how architecture, communities and public spaces have changed over time.
However, operating schedules, admission policies and guided tour availability may vary.
Visitors should consult the destination operator before including a specific site in their itinerary.
Aquarium overnight experience targets adventurous tourists
Another featured destination is the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium in Pingtung.
The institution is known for marine exhibits and educational activities.
Its overnight experiences allow eligible guests to spend the night in designated areas of the aquarium as part of an organized program.
This offers a different kind of tourism experience from a standard hotel stay.
However, the overnight program is subject to the museum’s own rules, schedules and availability.
It should not be described as an ordinary walk-in activity included with every admission ticket.
The original promotional material refers to marine life, including beluga whales, but guests should not assume every overnight package includes a specific animal encounter.
Eluanbi Lighthouse offers a dramatic coastal landmark
Eluanbi Lighthouse is another featured attraction in Southern Taiwan.
The landmark stands near the southern end of Taiwan’s main island, within the Kenting area of Pingtung County.
Its coastal setting and maritime history make it a popular destination for sightseeing and photography.
Visitors may combine the lighthouse with other natural attractions in southern Pingtung.
However, it is considerably farther from Kaohsiung International Airport than the northern edge of Pingtung County.
A trip to Eluanbi should be planned as a substantial onward journey rather than a quick airport stop.
Taiwan’s visa-free policy makes travel easier for Filipinos
The route expansion comes while eligible Philippine passport holders continue to benefit from Taiwan’s visa-exemption policy.
According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visa waiver allows eligible Filipinos to visit for up to 14 days.
The arrangement has been extended through July 31, 2027.
Travelers must still comply with entry conditions.
These include the applicable passport validity requirement and any supporting travel documentation requested by immigration authorities.
Visa-free entry does not guarantee admission, and the policy may be revised.
Travelers should review Taiwan’s official Bureau of Consular Affairs guidance before departure.
AirAsia’s Taiwan expansion builds on earlier network growth
The October announcement follows an earlier increase in AirAsia Philippines’ international network.
In March 2026, the airline announced additional services to several destinations.
Those included more Manila–Taipei frequencies beginning March 30 and additional Manila–Kaohsiung services beginning April 3.
The earlier announcement helps establish that the airline has been expanding connectivity to Taiwan throughout the year.
However, the October report specifically describes the latest four-to-seven weekly service increase.
The two announcements should not be combined without checking their respective schedules and periods.
Flight capacity can change with seasons and airline operating requirements.
Direct services create opportunities for regional tourism
Additional flights can make destinations more accessible by providing more choices of departure day.
They can also support regional tourism operators, transportation providers and accommodation businesses.
For Pingtung, attracting more visitors from the Philippines could broaden the region’s international tourism market.
Local attractions may benefit from better exposure through airline promotions and travel content.
However, the airline has not released a forecast showing how many additional Filipino visitors the new frequencies will bring to Pingtung.
Likewise, the partnership does not establish a specific increase in tourism revenue.
Those outcomes would need to be assessed using actual visitor and spending data.
More flights do not automatically mean lower airfares
Increasing weekly flight frequency provides additional seat capacity if the airline operates the announced services.
That may give customers more options when planning travel.
However, ticket prices still depend on demand, travel dates, fare rules and remaining seat availability.
The October 28 announcement does not establish a new systemwide fare discount.
Travelers should compare the total ticket price, including taxes, baggage and any optional add-ons.
A low advertised base fare may not represent the final cost of an international trip.
Baggage and onboard services require attention
AirAsia’s travel products include optional baggage allowances and onboard meal selections.
Manila Republic’s coverage notes a multiple-bag feature that allows eligible customers to check in several pieces within their purchased total baggage allowance.
The reported weight options range from 20 to 60 kilograms, with a maximum of 32 kilograms per individual bag.
That should not be mistaken for unlimited checked baggage.
The publication also mentions onboard meal selections such as JT’s Inasal and Beef Tapa.
These are optional travel products, not automatically included with every ticket.
Travelers should review their booking confirmation for the specific benefits purchased.
What other news outlets confirm
InsiderPH reported the expanded Manila–Kaohsiung service and the Pingtung County tourism partnership on October 29.
ABS-CBN News independently covered the increase in flights on October 28.
Great Travel Magazine also detailed the expansion and attractions being promoted.
Manila Republic provided further context, including heritage stops, the aquarium experience and optional onboard services.
AirAsia’s March newsroom announcement confirms its earlier efforts to expand Manila’s international route network, including Kaohsiung.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs independently verifies the 14-day visa-exemption arrangement for eligible Filipinos through July 31, 2027.
However, much of the October tourism coverage draws on the airline’s original press announcement.
No independently audited increase in passengers, route profitability or tourism spending has been established from the new flight frequencies.
What Filipino travelers should check before booking
Travelers should verify AirAsia’s operating schedule for their intended dates.
The airline has announced seven weekly services, but flight times and availability can change.
Visitors should also confirm Taiwan’s entry requirements and passport validity rules.
Accommodation, local transportation and attraction reservations should be planned separately.
Pingtung is a large county, and attractions are not all located close to Kaohsiung Airport.
Those planning to visit Kenting or Eluanbi should allow more time for onward travel.
Tourists considering the museum’s overnight experience or cultural workshops should check availability directly with the relevant operators.
The bigger question: Is Southern Taiwan ready for more Filipino travelers?
AirAsia Philippines’ latest expansion reflects the growing importance of Taiwan within its international network.
The move from four to seven weekly Manila–Kaohsiung flights offers additional travel choices.
Its partnership with Pingtung County introduces Filipino visitors to experiences that go beyond Taiwan’s familiar urban attractions.
From the Shanchuan Glass Suspension Bridge to traditional glass crafts, coastal scenery and marine exhibits, Southern Taiwan offers a broad range of travel possibilities.
But turning promotional interest into sustained tourism growth will require more than additional flights.
Convenient local transportation, clear visitor information, affordable itineraries and responsible destination management will all matter.
For AirAsia and Pingtung, the real test will be whether greater connectivity encourages Filipinos to explore the region repeatedly rather than treating it as a one-time holiday destination.
And as more Philippine travelers look toward Taiwan, one question remains:
Will daily Manila–Kaohsiung flights turn Southern Taiwan into the country’s next favorite overseas escape—or will Taipei remain the destination Filipinos know and choose best?
