PAL COMMENCES CEBU-CATARMAN SERVICE

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has officially launched its first-ever nonstop flights between Cebu and Catarman, marking the flag carrier’s latest effort to expand its growing domestic network. This new service, which was celebrated with a pre-launch program and cake-cutting ceremony on March 1, adds to PAL’s increasing presence at its Cebu hub.

The event was attended by key officials from PAL, Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), the Department of Tourism (DOT), and other industry stakeholders.

“We are proud to introduce the new Cebu-Catarman route as part of Philippine Airlines’ ongoing investment in expanding connections to foster tourism, local businesses, and economic growth,” said PAL Express President Rabbi Vincent Ang. “Northern Samar residents now have a convenient gateway through Cebu, connecting them to popular destinations like Boracay, Coron, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, and Siargao.”

Regional Director Judy Gabato of DOT Region 7 also highlighted the importance of the new route, noting that it would enhance domestic tourism arrivals by improving connectivity between provinces.

On March 4, Flight PR 2653 from Cebu to Catarman took off from Mactan-Cebu International Airport at 9:50 AM, arriving in Catarman at 10:50 AM. The return flight, PR 2654, departed Catarman at 11:16 AM and landed in Cebu at 12:08 PM. The Cebu-Catarman service operates three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

This new service is PAL’s 22nd route from Mactan-Cebu Airport, expanding its network to 18 other domestic points, along with international flights to Bangkok, Tokyo, Osaka, and Seoul. From May 2, 2025, PAL will also begin nonstop flights between Cebu and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), with three flights per week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

PAL uses its 86-seat De Havilland Dash 8-400 Next Generation aircraft on the Cebu-Catarman route, ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience, along with the airline’s signature Filipino service.

As the Philippines’ only full-service network airline, PAL was recently recognized by Cirium as the seventh most punctual airline in the Asia-Pacific region for 2024.

For flight reservations and inquiries, travelers can visit the PAL website at www.philippineairlines.com, call the PAL Hotline at (+632) 8855-8888, use the PAL mobile app, or reach out to their preferred ticketing offices or travel agents.

Facts about the New Cebu-Catarman Service:

• PR 2653 Cebu-Catarman: Departs every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from Cebu at 9:50 AM; arrives in Catarman at 10:55 AM
• PR 2654 Catarman-Cebu: Departs every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from Catarman at 11:25 AM; arrives in Cebu at 12:30 PM