As Holy Week approaches, one of the most significant travel periods in the Philippines, AirAsia MOVE’s latest booking data reveals how millions of Filipinos planned their trips: balancing time to return home with opportunities for rest and short getaways.
Observed widely across the country, Holy Week is traditionally a time for reflection, family reunions, and travel, with many leaving major cities to spend time in their home provinces or take a much-needed break.
MOVE’s data shows that the vast majority of bookings were domestic, with 82% of travelers flying within the Philippines, while 18% are heading internationally.
More than half of bookings (55%) departed from Manila, underscoring its role as the country’s primary economic hub. Working-class professionals or students heading back to their hometowns from Manila reflect the strong cultural tradition of returning home during Holy Week.
Other key departure points included Cebu (12%), Iloilo and Tacloban (at 5% respectively) and Caticlan and Puerto Princesa (2%) and various regional airports across the country (19%).
Among Manila-based travelers, 56% were flying solo, while 18% traveled as couples, 15% with children and 11% in groups of friends, showing that most journeys are independent, though some are shared with loved ones.
Most trips were short, with 40% lasting 3–4 days and 26% extending to 5–6 days, perfectly aligned with the long weekend structure of Holy Week. Morning departures led at 35%, as travelers aimed to maximize their time at their destination, while 17% opted for red-eye or late-night flights, a practical choice for students and working professionals looking to make the most of limited leave days.
Filipino travelers booked early, with 29% securing trips 15–30 days in advance and 22% booking 31–60 days ahead. Last-minute booking remained minimal at 2%, indicating strong intent to plan ahead during this peak season.
For those traveling for leisure, accommodations were chosen with both comfort and affordability in mind. 4-star hotels account for 41% of bookings, followed by 3-star hotels at 37%, with an average nightly stay of 4,000 pesos, highlighting that even short getaways prioritize value-for-money stays without compromising on convenience.
