Sunlight Air, a rapidly growing player in the Philippine aviation industry, inaugurated its first-ever direct flight service connecting Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) (CEB) and Siquijor Airport (SIJ). The launch marks a significant milestone, dramatically enhancing accessibility to the mystical island province of Siquijor and supporting regional tourism growth.
The inaugural flight, 2R875, was celebrated with traditional airport fanfare, including a celebratory water cannon salute, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and a festive reception.
This new direct route is poised to be a game-changer for local and international tourists. Previously, travelers faced a multi-modal journey involving land and sea travel, often spanning half a day. Sunlight Air’s new service cuts the total travel time between Cebu and Siquijor to a convenient 45 to 60 minutes, making Siquijor an ideal destination for quick weekend getaways and island exploration.
“This is an exciting day for Sunlight Air and for the people of the Visayas region,” said Arnulfo D. Alivio, Director of Ground Operations for Sunlight Air. “Connecting Cebu, the Queen City of the South, directly to the enchanted beauty of Siquijor has been a key strategic goal. We are proud to offer a fast, reliable, and convenient option that will undoubtedly boost tourism and commerce in both provinces.”
The airline will operate the route four times weekly, providing travelers with flexible options to plan their itinerary.
The official launch event was well-attended by key stakeholders from the aviation industry and local governance, underscoring the route’s importance to regional development. Attendees included:
Mr. Mark Souter, ACAC Chief Airline Marketing Officer
Mr. Inaki Ponio, ACAC Head of Aviation Business Development
Mr. Arnulfo D. Alivio, Sunlight Air Director of Ground Operations
Mr. John Christopher Bonifacio, Sunlight Air Senior Marketing Manager
Mr. Blaise Aghayon, MCIAA Public Relations Officer
“MCIA is committed to strengthening connectivity across the Philippines, and the launch of this direct route to Siquijor aligns perfectly with that vision,” stated a spokesperson for MCIAA. “We anticipate this service will open up new economic opportunities for Siquijor while providing our Cebu passengers with unparalleled access to one of the region’s most unique islands.”
Sunlight Air encourages travelers eager to explore Siquijor’s natural attractions—from the beaches of Salagdoong to the mystical healers and waterfalls—to book their flights immediately through the airline’s official channels.
