Philippine Airlines (PAL) marked the resumption of its Clark to Basco route on July 2, 2024, in a ceremony at the Clark International Airport. The reinstated service aims to strengthen tourism and provide more travel options for Filipinos.
The four-times-weekly flights operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, aboard the 86-seat De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 Next Generation.
2P-2688 departs Clark at 11:00 AM, arriving in Basco at 12:35 PM. The return flight, 2P-2689, leaves Basco at 1:00 PM and lands in Clark at 2:35 PM.
The direct service to Basco complements PAL’s existing daily flights between Manila and the island province. Clark International Airport also serves as a hub for PAL’s other domestic destinations, including Cebu, Boracay (Caticlan), and Coron (Busuanga).
Richard Daenos, Department of Tourism Region 3 Director, highlighted the significance of the route, stating, “The flight represents the culmination of meticulous planning, coordination, and dedication, a testament of our commitment to enhance connectivity and to foster new opportunities for commerce, tourism, and cultural exchanges.”
Noel Manankil, President and CEO of Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corporation (LIPAD), expressed enthusiasm about the route’s potential impact. “We are thrilled to once again connect Clark to the breathtaking beauty of Batanes. This flight not only opens up opportunities to explore this unique destination but also strengthens our commitment towards convenient travel options for all,” Manankil said.
PAL Express President Rabbi Vincent Ang emphasized the strategic importance of Clark as a hub. “It gives us great pride to meet the demand for flights out of Central Luzon, a strategic gateway to Northern, Central and Southern Philippines,” Ang noted.
The inaugural flight was celebrated with a water salute as the aircraft departed from Clark Airport, symbolizing the route’s official reopening and the potential for future growth in air travel options from Clark International Airport.
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