Cebu Pacific unveils new direct flights between Iloilo and Bangkok. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Joseph Oropel
The Philippines is expanding its international connectivity with new direct flight routes to boost tourism and business ties with key regions.
Cebu Pacific is launching a direct route between Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport and Iloilo, a growing city on the island of Panay. The service, which will commence on 31 March 2025, will operate three times – every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – on an 180-seater Airbus A320.
This latest connection is joined by Hong Kong and Singapore, making Bangkok the third international destination that the Philippines’ largest low-cost carrier will serve from Iloilo.
Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism in the Philippines unveiled plans to introduce a new Taipei-Bohol direct flight, set to launch in April 2025. This is expected to coincide with a surge in visitors to the Philippines, aided by the introduction of direct flights and visa-free entry for Taiwanese nationals.
Similarly, Philippine Airlines will introduce Cebu's first-ever direct connection to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam amid growing demand. The new service, which will begin on 2 May 2025, will operate three times a week every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday on Airbus A321 aircraft with 199 seats.
The Philippines is also positioning itself as a prime destination for Indian travellers. Plans to offer direct flights between India and the Philippines are in development, with Air India and IndiGo expected to operate connecting flights between Delhi and Manila.
Air Canada has also announced the launch of a direct route between Vancouver and Manila, set to begin later on 2 April 2025, Marking Air Canada’s 12th destination in Asia Pacific and its first in the Philippines, the new service will operate four times weekly, using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.