Airlines increase flights to Japan as borders reopen

Local airlines expect to serve more passengers flying to Japan, which recently lifted the daily tourist arrival cap.

This policy will take effect on Oct. 11, in time for the seasonal increase in travel activities amid the holiday season.

AirAsia Philippines head of communications and public affairs Steve Dailisan welcomed the new policy.

He told the Inquirer, “AirAsia believes that any move to ease travel restrictions and provide greater mobility will increase the appetite of travelers to visit and support tourist destinations.”

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) said the policy would “boost flights and drive tourism traffic” to Japan.

Cebu Pacific director for corporate communications Carmina Romero, meanwhile, said what would really move the needle would be to ease tourist visa restrictions.

“Once these are lifted, we expect to see a significant increase in bookings,” she told the Inquirer.

At present, Japan only grants tourist visas to those joining package tours. They must register with the Entrants, Returnee Follow-up System.

AirAsia is set to reopen its Manila-Osaka route in November three times weekly and start daily flights by December.

More flight options

PAL, by Oct. 1, will fly from Manila to Nagoya, Fukuoka, Osaka and Tokyo. It will also serve routes from Cebu to Nagoya, Osaka and Tokyo.

Cebu Pacific currently flies daily to Narita and Nagoya. Manila-Osaka and Manila-Fukuoka routes operate five times and four times per week, respectively.

By October, airlines are allowed to collect fuel surcharge to help recover fuel costs. Passengers will be charged P287 to P839 individually for domestic flights while fuel surcharge for international flights will range from P947.39 to P7,044.27 each.

Flying to Japan, passengers will pay a fuel surcharge of P1,473.78. INQ