PAL inaugurates Cebu-Catarman flights

Dirk Andrei Salcedo7 hours Ago2 Mins read41

A Philippine Airlines (PAL) Dash 8-400NG aircraft on the tarmac, ready for its next journey. The turboprop aircraft serves PAL's domestic network, connecting travelers to various destinations across the Philippines. (Photo: Philippine Airlines)

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has officially launched direct flights connecting Cebu and Catarman, expanding its growing domestic network with a service that had never before existed.

The new route was celebrated with a pre-launch ceremony on March 1, attended by officials from PAL, Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC, Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, the Department of Tourism, and other travel industry representatives.

“We are proud to open our new Cebu-Catarman route, the latest investment by Philippine Airlines in building new connections to facilitate tourism, local businesses and economic growth,” said PAL Express President Rabbi Vincent Ang.

The inaugural flight 2P-2653 departed from Mactan-Cebu International Airport at 9:50 AM on March 4, landing at Catarman National Airport at 10:50 AM. The return flight, 2P-2654, left Catarman at 11:16 AM and touched down in Cebu at 12:08 PM.

This thrice-weekly service marks PAL’s 22nd route from its Cebu hub, which now connects to 18 domestic destinations and 4 international locations (Bangkok, Tokyo-Narita, Osaka, and Seoul-Incheon).

During the cake-cutting ceremony at the Cebu-Catarman pre-launch event on March 1, key figures gathered to celebrate the upcoming route. Pictured (from left) are Mr. Matthew Tamaray, PALex VP for Ground Operations Group; Hon. Albert Lucero, Chair of the Committee on Tourism, Culture, and Arts for the Province of Northern Samar; Regional Director Judy Gabato of the Department of Tourism Region 7; Ms. Jane Go, AVP for Ground Services Department; and Mr. Rodante “Inaki” Ponio, Jr., Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC Senior Manager for Airline Marketing and Tourism Development. (Photo: PAL)

Department of Tourism Region 7 Director Judy Gabato highlighted the significance of the new route, saying, “It is with great pleasure to witness another milestone for PAL. This effort will indeed boost our domestic tourism arrivals as connection with other provinces will improve.”

The flag carrier will further expand its Cebu hub operations starting May 2, 2025, with the introduction of nonstop flights between Cebu and Ho Chi Minh City, operating three times weekly.

PAL’s new Cebu-Catarman service complements its existing four weekly flights between Manila and Catarman, providing more options for travelers from Northern Samar.

The route utilizes PAL’s 86-seater De Havilland Dash 8-400 Next Generation aircraft, offering passengers a comfortable journey with the airline’s signature Filipino heartfelt service.

Philippine Airlines, the country’s only full-service network airline, was recently recognized by Cirium as the seventh most punctual airline in the Asia-Pacific region for 2024.

Travelers interested in booking flights can visit PAL’s website, contact their hotline, use the mobile app, or reach out to ticketing offices and travel agents.

Flight schedule

2P-2653 (Cebu-Catarman): Departs Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 9:50 a.m., arriving at 10:55 a.m.
2P-2654 (Catarman-Cebu): Departs Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 11:25 a.m., arriving at 12:30 p.m.

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Written by

Dirk Andrei Salcedo

Dirk is the founder and editor-in-chief of Aviation Updates Philippines (AUP), a platform dedicated to providing the latest news and insights on the aviation industry in the Philippines. With a strong passion for aviation and a background in computer engineering, he manages all aspects of AUP, from website development to content curation.