KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — A formal position paper has been submitted to key Philippine government agencies urging the immediate restoration of the Clark–Kuala Lumpur–Clark direct flight, a once-thriving route operated by AirAsia prior to its suspension in early 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Submitted by Rene G. Romero, former Area Vice President for North Luzon of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), through the Philippine-Malaysia Business Council, the proposal calls for the re-engagement of AirAsia or other carriers to operate the route anew.
Addressed to the Office of the President, Department of Transportation, Civil Aeronautics Board, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and the Department of Trade and Industry, the paper emphasizes the strategic urgency of reinstating the route to fuel regional growth, bolster foreign investment, and enhance ASEAN integration.
Grounded by Covid
Before the global health crisis, the Clark–Kuala Lumpur route served as a crucial link between Central Luzon and Malaysia, a key ASEAN economic partner. Its suspension, a casualty of travel restrictions, border closures, and airline network consolidation, has yet to be reversed, even as other international flights have resumed.
According to the position paper, this lapse has created a void in trade access, tourism flow, and investment connectivity, particularly affecting business activity in Clark Freeport, New Clark City, and the broader Central Luzon region.
Need for flight return
The proposal for reinstatement cites six core arguments:
1. Economic and Investment Opportunities: With Malaysia showing growing interest in Central Luzon, a direct flight is critical to facilitate business visits, trade missions, and investment scouting, in line with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority’s ongoing promotion of the Clark Freeport Zone and New Clark City.
2. Employment and MSME Development: Route restoration would generate employment across logistics, hospitality, and tourism, and open new market access for micro, small, and medium enterprises in Pampanga, Tarlac, Bulacan, and nearby provinces.
3. Stronger ASEAN Connectivity: The route aligns with the Brunei–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), supporting trade in manufacturing, agriculture, halal products, and services.
4. Support for Aviation Decentralization: The revival would ease congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, support the government’s multi-gateway strategy, and make use of Clark International Airport’s underutilized terminal, which has an annual capacity of 8 million passengers.
5. Tourism Boost: Kuala Lumpur’s role as a transit hub for ASEAN, South Asia, and the Middle East makes the route a vital entry point for international travelers to Northern Luzon destinations like Subic, Baguio, and Banaue.
6. Strategic Access for New Clark City: As the government aims to position New Clark City as a global investment hub, direct air connectivity is seen as essential for hosting diplomats, investors, and business delegations.
National strategic imperatives
Beyond regional benefits, the position paper stresses that restoring the route would enhance the Philippines’ standing within the ASEAN Economic Community, advance national tourism and infrastructure objectives, and solidify ties with Malaysia.
The paper calls for immediate action from multiple agencies:
1. DOTr, CAAP, CAB, the Clark International Airport Corp., and the Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corp., the CRK operator, are urged to initiate airline negotiations and offer regulatory support.
2. DTI, BCDA, the Department of Tourism, and the Philippine Export Zone Authority are encouraged to include the route in investment missions and promotional efforts.
3. The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Malaysia are requested to coordinate with Malaysian counterparts.
4. Local government units and business chambers in Central Luzon are asked to endorse the economic merits of the route.
Timely push for recovery
“The suspension of the Clark–Kuala Lumpur–Clark flight in early 2020 was a result of extraordinary global circumstances. Today, with economic activity recovering and investor interest rising, the Philippines must seize the opportunity to restore this vital link,” the paper concludes.
The restoration, Romero asserts, will unlock trade, tourism, and employment, reinforcing Clark’s position as a northern gateway and strategic investment hub in the ASEAN region. Press release/Photo: Chef Felix Niño Asuncion, FB
