The Royal Air Philippines (RW) operating at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 for international while at Terminal 2 for domestic flights is set to cease its commercial passenger operations effective January 4, 2026, drawing the interest of many who, according to sources, want to get the slot that the said airline would leave.
In a letter dated December 22, 2025 addressed to Juichi International Travel Co. LTD and to David Wang, the Royal Air Philippines (RW) said, “with profound and heavy hearts like to informed you that we will be suspending our commercial passenger operations effective January 4, 2026 because of compounded reasons affecting our business. We hope to be able to resume our business relation with you once we get past the turbulence.” It was signed by Eduardo Novillas, RW Chief Executive Officer.
The airline reportedly informed its overseas partner that Royal Air Philippines would stop all commercial passenger flight operations but will remain cargo operations.
The airline has faced a challenging operating environment like the rising fuel costs, intense competition on domestic routes and fluctuating travel demand have continued to pressure airline profitability.
Royal Air Philippines’ official booking platform shows that flights are only available for purchase up to 03 January 2026. This applies to both domestic and international routes.
Royal Air Philippines is a Philippine-registered low cost airine. The company was established on 22 August 2002 as a chartered airline. It began operations as a budget airline on December 14, 2018, with an inaugural flight from its hub in Clark, Pampanga to Caticlan in Aklan.
