DOT recognizes AirAsia Philippines as first Muslim-friendly airline in PH

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and AirAsia Philippines have signed a landmark agreement to strengthen the Philippines’ position as a Halal tourism destination, with the airline receiving official recognition as the country’s first Muslim-friendly carrier.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricardo F. Isla formalized the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on January 9 at the DOT Central Office in Makati City.

The agreement commits the airline to provide Halal-certified meals across its flight network while establishing DOT’s role in training the carrier’s workforce on Muslim-friendly tourism services.

“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,” Frasco said during the signing ceremony, which was witnessed by Tourism Undersecretary for Muslim Affairs and Mindanao Promotions Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar and AirAsia Philippines Santan Manager Pax Paloma.

The partnership comes as AirAsia Philippines prepares to launch new Halal-certified menu items through its in-flight food brand Santan. Starting January 16, passengers can enjoy Beef Rendang with Chicken Pastil, a dish inspired by Davao region’s culinary traditions, priced at PHP 220.

“We understand that airlines play a vital role in the Halal promotion as we are one of the frontiers of consumer journey in tourism,” said Isla. “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.”

Santan’s menu currently features Halal-certified dishes including Nasi Lemak and Chicken Rice, alongside Filipino favorites such as Chicken Inasal produced in partnership with JT’s Manukan. The airline reported serving 535,000 meals in 2024, up from 480,000 in 2023.

To support the initiative, AirAsia Philippines plans to increase flight frequencies to domestic destinations including Cebu, Caticlan, and Cagayan De Oro, aligning with DOT’s tourism development goals.