Royal Air Philippines to Suspend Passenger Flight Operations Starting January 2026

Royal Air Philippines has officially announced the suspension of its commercial passenger flight operations effective early January 2026, marking a significant development in the local aviation landscape.

The suspension will cover both domestic and international scheduled services, including major routes such as Manila–Caticlan, Clark–Caticlan, and the direct Taipei–Boracay service, the latter being the only nonstop air link between Taiwan and Boracay prior to the announcement.

Industry sources indicate that the decision follows ongoing operational and financial challenges, including rising operating costs and heightened competition within the Philippine aviation market. The move is described as a strategic pause as the airline reassesses its operations.

Passengers holding confirmed bookings are advised to coordinate directly with Royal Air Philippines or their respective travel agents for information on refunds, rebooking, or alternative travel arrangements. The airline is expected to release further advisories to affected customers in the coming weeks.

Royal Air Philippines commenced scheduled passenger operations in 2018 and has since served key domestic destinations and select international routes. As of this writing, there has been no announcement regarding the resumption of passenger flights, nor confirmation of any shift toward other aviation operations.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and airport authorities are expected to coordinate with affected stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition for passengers and airport operations.