Philippine Airlines Expands Cebu Network with New Routes and Flights

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is set to strengthen its presence in Cebu with additional routes and flights, underscoring its commitment to investing in the vibrant Cebu Hub. The expansion aims to facilitate convenient connections, boost tourism, drive business, and further broaden PAL’s inter-island network from Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Scheduled for launch in the coming months are new routes to Luzon and Mindanao, including a pioneering route to Laoag in Ilocos Norte on December 15, alongside routes to Bicol, Ozamiz, and southern Mindanao during the same week.

PAL President and Chief Operating Officer, Capt. Stanley K. Ng, expressed the airline’s vision for Cebu, stating, “We look up to Cebu as a prime center of economic innovation, sustainable tourism, and progress for the entire Philippines. Our goal is to further strengthen connectivity between Cebu and the rest of the archipelago, invigorating the tourism industry and supporting local business growth.”

Mr. Rabbi Vincent Ang, President of PAL Express, highlighted the growth in flight frequencies, stating, “We have grown flight frequencies by 10% from our Cebu Hub since last year, increasing from 16 to 20 domestic destinations and offering more than 260 weekly round-trip flights to and from Cebu.”

New Routes Unveiled for December 15 Launch

PAL is set to introduce four new routes starting December 15, enhancing connectivity and offering more options for travelers. These routes include:

Cebu to Laoag (Twice Weekly)

• PR 2251 Cebu-Laoag: Every Tuesday and Friday, departing at 07:35 AM, arriving at 10:05 AM
• PR 2252 Laoag-Cebu: Every Tuesday and Friday, departing at 10:25 AM, arriving at 12:35 PM

1. Cebu to General Santos (Daily)

• PR 2357 Cebu-General Santos: Daily departing at 02:30 PM, arriving at 03:50 PM
• PR 2358 General Santos-Cebu: Daily departing at 04:20 PM, arriving at 05:40 PM

1. Cebu to Legazpi (Daily)

• PR 2927 Cebu-Legazpi: Daily departing at 06:00 PM, arriving at 07:10 PM
• PR 2928 Legazpi-Cebu: Daily departing at 07:30 PM, arriving at 08:40 PM

1. Cebu to Ozamiz (Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday)

• PR 2893 Cebu-Ozamiz: Every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday departing at 07:35 AM, arriving at 08:40 AM
• PR 2894 Ozamiz-Cebu: Every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday departing at 09:00 AM, arriving at 10:00 AM

These routes will be served by PAL’s De Havilland Dash 8-400 Next Generation aircraft, boasting 86 seats, including six Comfort Class seats, making them ideal for smaller island airports.

To support Cebu hub operations, PAL has welcomed an additional Dash 8-400 Next Generation aircraft to its fleet. This reinforces PAL’s commitment to providing efficient and reliable air travel options in the domestic market.

Strengthening Connectivity and Increasing Frequency

PAL’s efforts to enhance connectivity from Mactan-Cebu airport include recent increases in service to various destinations:

• A 27% increase in service between Cebu and Tacloban, totaling 14 weekly flights.
• A 29% increase between Cebu and Bacolod, reaching 18 weekly flights.
• A 14% increase between Cebu and Davao, providing 24 weekly flights.
• An 11% increase between Cebu and Manila, offering 78 weekly flights, translating to more than 11 flights every day.

Beyond domestic destinations, PAL operates regional flights to Bangkok, Seoul (Incheon), and Tokyo (Narita) from Mactan, Cebu.

Investments in Fleet and Services

To augment its domestic fleet and accommodate growing demand, PAL recently welcomed an additional Dash 8-400 Next Generation aircraft. The airline’s positive financial performance, with a net income of US$348 Million for January to September 2023, reinforces its ability to make targeted investments in aircraft orders and service improvements.

Recent enhancements include:

• Upgraded ‘Comfort Class’ service on select domestic flights, offering dedicated check-in counters, lounge access, gourmet snack selections, and increased mileage accrual.
• A new Mabuhay Lounge at Mactan-Cebu’s domestic Terminal I, unveiled in August.
• The upcoming International Mabuhay Lounge at Manila’s NAIA Terminal 1.
• “PAL Holidays,” a new travel website powered by Expedia Group.
• The inauguration of a Manila-Perth route and the resumption of flights to mainland Chinese cities and Macau in 2023.

As PAL continues to connect the Philippines with major global markets, including nonstop flights from Manila to key destinations, passengers can conveniently book flights through www.philippineairlines.com, the PAL mobile app, the PAL hotline at (+63) 2 8855 8888, or their preferred travel agents.