Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) successfully inaugurated its new four-times weekly non-stop service between Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) and Calbayog Airport (CYG) on October 26. The launch marks a significant step in PAL’s ongoing strategy to expand its domestic network, enhance vital travel connectivity, and boost convenience for passengers across the Visayas region.
The inaugural flight, PR 2668, was celebrated at Mactan-Cebu International Airport with a traditional water cannon salute and cake-slicing ceremony. Officials from PAL, Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), and the Department of Tourism (DOT) were present to mark the special milestone.
Upon arrival at Calbayog Airport, the aircraft received a welcoming water cannon salute, ceremonial lei-giving, and a cultural dance performance, attended by delegations from PAL, DOT Region 8, and the local government of Calbayog.
“This new route between Cebu and Calbayog boosts leisure and business travel, promotes economic activity, and strengthens Cebu’s role as a gateway to various parts of the Philippines and the rest of the world,” said Rabbi Vincent Ang, PAL Express President.
The new service offers travelers seamless connectivity, allowing convenient access to Manila and enabling easy transfers through Cebu to other popular domestic destinations in the PAL network, including Bacolod, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, Siargao, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro. International connections are also available via PAL’s major hubs.
Calbayog, widely known as the “City of Waterfalls,” is a prominent educational, religious, and commercial center in Samar. The destination is famous for its numerous waterfalls, vibrant festivals, and local industries like mat-making and fishing, offering visitors rich cultural and natural experiences.
PAL is deploying its 86-seater De Havilland Dash 8-400 Next Generation aircraft on the Cebu-Calbayog route, ensuring a comfortable journey coupled with the airline’s hallmark Filipino heartfelt service.
PAL acknowledges the vital collaboration and commitment of its aviation industry partners—specifically the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, Aboitiz Infra Capital, and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines—whose support has been instrumental in the airline’s continued growth and success in Cebu.
