The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed the arrival of Air China’s inaugural service from Chongqing to Manila (CKG-MNL) today, marking a pivotal milestone in the Philippines’ efforts to revitalize its once-dominant Chinese tourism sector.
The maiden flight touched down at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) at 12:16 AM, carrying 155 passengers. Travelers were met with a warm Filipino welcome organized by the DOT’s National Capital Region (NCR) Office and the Routes Development Unit. The return leg, Flight MNL-CKG, departed Manila at 1:50 AM with 145 passengers on board.
The launch of the Chongqing route is strategically timed following the recent restoration of the visa-free policy for Chinese tourists entering through Manila and Cebu. By establishing a direct link to one of China’s most significant metropolitan hubs and outbound travel markets, the DOT aims to make the Philippines a primary choice for Chinese holidaymakers.
“This new route is a crucial step toward recovering our previously robust arrivals from China,” the DOT stated. “Expanding our air connectivity ensures that the Philippines remains accessible and competitive in one of the world’s largest travel markets.”
Chongqing joins Beijing and Chengdu as the third major Chinese city connected to Manila via Air China. The airline has significantly scaled its operations this year to meet rising demand:
| Metric (Q1 2024) | Total Volume |
| Total Direct Flights | 131 |
| Total Seat Capacity | ~34,000 |
| Current Market Rank | Top Tier Source Market |
China continues to be a cornerstone of the Philippine tourism industry. According to the latest data from the e-travel system, the Philippines has already recorded 150,708 Chinese visitors as of April 30, 2026. The DOT anticipates that the combination of eased visa restrictions and increased flight frequencies will lead to a significant surge in arrivals throughout the remainder of the year.
