August 28, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Low-cost provider Cebu Pacific is maximizing its buyout of boutique provider AirSWIFT by mounting extra flights to El Nido, Palawan, this time direct journeys to the island from Cebu.
Cebu Pacific is launching direct flights between Cebu and El Nido beginning Oct. 26, marking one other growth within the island that was solely reached by a single provider.
Cebu Pacific will provide each day flights within the route, supplementing the on a regular basis service additionally provided by its boutique unit AirSWIFT.
Cebu Pacific president and chief business officer Alexander Lao mentioned El Nido stays a dream vacation spot for a lot of Filipinos. Given this, the provider is bringing the island paradise nearer to vacationers from Visayas by linking it on to Cebu.
The airline owned by the Gokongweis may even promote the flight to vacationers from El Nido who could wish to go to Cebu. Lao sees the service as a win-win for each Cebu and El Nido, as it would increase journey and tourism actions within the areas.
“El Nido has lengthy been one of many nation’s most sought-after locations, and shortly it might be extra accessible to these flying from Cebu and close by provinces,” Lao mentioned.
At the moment, Cebu Pacific gives Cebu flights to Palawan’s main gateways, notably Busuanga, Puerto Princesa and San Vicente, closing the transport hole between the 2 provinces.
Cebu Pacific additionally reaches El Nido by means of Clark, whereas AirSWIFT flies to the municipality from varied factors, reminiscent of Manila, Bohol and Cebu.
The Cebu flights to El Nido might be operated by Cebu Pacific’s regional unit Cebgo. This implies Cebu Pacific was capable of finding one other route for its turboprops at a time when the plane is being pushed out of Manila by the federal government.
Turboprops, the plane assigned by airways to land in smaller airports, might be banned in Manila by March subsequent 12 months. As such, Cebu Pacific has to relocate all of its turboprops to both Cebu or Clark by then to adjust to the order.