Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ leading low-cost carrier, has launched new direct flight routes from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to Kansai, Don Mueang, Masbate, and San Vicente. With Bangkok and Kansai now among the 14 international destinations served by MCIA, the airport solidifies its position as a vital international gateway. Additionally, Masbate and San Vicente are part of the 27 local destinations accessible from MCIA.
The inaugural flight to Don Mueang departed from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) at 2:20 AM on October 2, marked by a traditional water cannon salute. The water cannon salutes for the flights to Kansai, San Vicente, and Masbate followed on October 15, 26, and 30, respectively.
The airline operates three weekly flights to Don Mueang and four weekly flights each to Kansai and San Vicente, along with three weekly flights to Masbate. Travelers can now explore the vibrant culture and unique experiences of Bangkok, enjoy the stunning landscapes of Osaka, relax by the beautiful shores of San Vicente, and discover the scenic charm of Masbate. With these expanded options, tourists have even more opportunities to embark on unforgettable journeys.
Athanasios Titonis, Chief Executive Officer of Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC, expressed his enthusiasm for the expansion of Mactan-Cebu International Airport’s route network. “We are thrilled to introduce these new routes, which further enhance travel options for passengers flying through Cebu. Our strong partnership with Cebu Pacific enables us to continuously broaden our destination offerings, and we are grateful to all our airline partners for their contributions to our vision of establishing MCIA as the world-class tourism and transfer gateway to the Philippines.”
“The expansion of flight options also plays a key role in advancing Cebu Connect, a service we launched this year to ensure seamless and efficient airport transfers within MCIA. Cebu Connect is specifically designed to minimize layover times, allowing travelers to move swiftly between flights with ease. By integrating more flight connections and streamlining transfers, we are reinforcing our commitment to providing world-class service to our passengers.”
Titonis also highlighted how strategic partnerships with airlines like Cebu Pacific are essential to the airport’s goal of connecting Cebu with key global cities, thereby supporting tourism and business growth in the region.
Xander Lao, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Cebu Pacific Air, voiced pride in the launch of direct flights to Don Mueang International Airport. “Given the increasing demand for flights to various destinations, we are excited to unveil new routes to Don Mueang, Kansai, Masbate, and San Vicente. Cebu Pacific is dedicated to collaborating with Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC to further connect Cebu with local and international destinations. Our passengers can anticipate even more flight options from Cebu in the coming months as we continue to expand our network.”
The introduction of these four new flights represents a strategic initiative to enhance Cebu Pacific’s connectivity to popular Southeast Asian travel destinations. This expansion not only increases travel choices for passengers but also plays a crucial role in bolstering Cebu’s tourism industry and economic growth. By offering more direct international routes, MCIA continues to position itself as a competitive alternative for travelers seeking seamless connections without the need to transit through Manila.
As the Philippines’ second-busiest airport, MCIA has been instrumental in promoting Cebu as a significant travel destination in the region. The addition of more international routes is expected to attract a greater influx of tourists and business travelers, further stimulating the local economy.