Budget carrier Cebu Pacific is set to become the only airline to offer direct flights between Manila and Sapporo, Japan starting January 16, 2025. The new route will be the airline’s longest narrow-body flight yet, with a block time of 5 hours and 10 minutes from Manila to Sapporo, and 5 hours and 55 minutes on the return.
The flights will operate three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays using 188-seat Airbus A320neo aircraft.
“We are thrilled to be the only carrier to offer non-stop flights between Manila and Sapporo,” said Xander Lao, Cebu Pacific President and Chief Commercial Officer.
“The launch of this route is a testament to Cebu Pacific’s mission of expanding its international network and making air travel accessible to a wider range of passengers.”
The new route will cut travel time between the two cities to around 5 hours, compared to up to 10 hours on other airlines with layovers. Cebu Pacific’s direct Manila-Sapporo flights will depart at 11:15 AM and arrive at 5:25 PM, while the return flights will depart Sapporo at 6:25 PM and arrive in Manila at 11:20 PM.
This will make it easier for Filipino travelers to experience the winter charm of Sapporo, including the world-renowned Sapporo Snow Festival in February, the Teine Ski Resort, and the Jozankei Onsen.
Cebu Pacific’s announcement comes as Philippine Airlines (PAL) had earlier indicated its intentions to relaunch flights on the Manila-Sapporo route. However, Cebu Pacific appears to have beaten PAL to the punch, becoming the first airline to offer direct services between the two cities post-pandemic.
Following the recent launch of its Manila-Chiang Mai route in late October, Cebu Pacific now serves 35 domestic and 27 international destinations spanning Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
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