Cebu Pacific expands domestic flight network

Cebu Pacific is expanding its domestic network in a bid to capture rising air travel demand after more local governments scrapped reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for fully vaccinated individuals. The Gokongwei-led carrier said flights will be added to its routes serving Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Davao and General Santos.

“As more destinations open their borders and simplify travel requirements, we look forward to more local government units (LGUs) to follow suit especially for fully vaccinated individuals. These developments are perfect for families who may want to travel this Christmas season and visit Philippine destinations,” Cebu Pacific chief commercial officer Xander Lao said in a statement.

More Boracay flights

Marking the largest increase was Cebu Pacific’s Manila-Boracay flights, which will go up to nine trips per day from six starting Nov. 22 this year.

Cebu Pacific said this was even bigger than its pre-COVID capacity.

By next month, Boracay flights from Cebu will be up to six times weekly.

Manila-Bohol trips will also increase from 12 times weekly to twice daily starting Nov. 23.

By December, operations between Cebu and Manila will increase from six times daily to nine times daily, while flights to Cagayan de Oro will ramp up from five times daily to up to six times daily.

Moreover, Manila to Davao flights will go up to three times daily from five times weekly in December.

Lastly, Cebu Pacific said it now mounts daily flights to General Santos.

“We continue to ramp up our domestic network to address rising travel demand and promote safe and responsible travel,” Lao said.

“This way we enable the public in rebuilding trust and travel confidence, at the same time pave the way towards economic recovery,” he added.

Fewer LGU restrictions

Local government units in these locations have also rolled back restrictions.

Boracay requires minors (12-17 years old) to present any proof of full vaccination status or a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours to date of travel while children under 12 years of age are exempted from submitting RT-PCR test results, and should be accompanied by fully vaccinated individuals.

Fully-vaccinated travelers to Bohol, Cebu and General Santos need to present their vaccination cards in lieu of swab tests. Adult travelers may take their children under four years of age for entry to Bohol.

Visitors of Misamis Oriental may simply register in S-PaSS and StaySafe.Ph, while Davao does not require arriving guests to present any travel documents upon check in.