Philippine Airlines (PAL) has inaugurated direct flights connecting Cebu and Ho Chi Minh City, establishing the first nonstop air link between Central Visayas and Vietnam’s economic powerhouse.
The inaugural flight, PR-587, departed Mactan-Cebu International Airport on May 2 following a celebratory water cannon salute and cake-cutting ceremony. Officials from PAL, Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC, Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, Department of Tourism, and travel industry partners attended the landmark event.
“We are thrilled to celebrate our inaugural flight from Cebu to Ho Chi Minh City and kick off a new chapter in PAL’s ongoing commitment to expanding regional connectivity,” said PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Capt. Stanley K. Ng at the launch event.
The new service strengthens bilateral ties between the Philippines and Vietnam while offering travelers more options to explore two of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant cities. Lapu-Lapu City Congresswoman Cynthia K. Chan praised the initiative for “promoting our city and our province to the world and solidifying our reputation as a top tourist destination in Asia.”
The new service operates three times a week using Airbus A321 aircraft, featuring both Business Class and Economy Class cabins accommodating up to 199 passengers. Flights depart Cebu late evening on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, arriving in Ho Chi Minh City just after midnight. Return flights depart Ho Chi Minh City early morning on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, arriving back in Cebu around dawn.
The Cebu-Ho Chi Minh City service complements PAL’s existing eight weekly flights between Manila and Vietnam’s commercial hub. Having pioneered Philippines-Vietnam air links in 1985, the flag carrier continues to expand its Vietnamese network with plans to increase Manila-Hanoi flights to 10 weekly services by June 1 and launch a new Manila-Da Nang route on July 1.
DOT Region 7 Director Judy dela Cruz Gabato noted that “the opening of PAL’s new route will definitely aid in increasing our tourist arrivals” and boost the Vietnamese market’s presence in the region.
Flight schedule
- PR 587: Cebu to Ho Chi Minh City – Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays Departure: 10:55 PM (Mactan-Cebu) | Arrival: 12:55 AM (HCMC/Saigon)
- PR 588: Ho Chi Minh City to Cebu – Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays Departure: 1:55 AM (HCMC/Saigon) | Arrival: 6:05 AM (Mactan-Cebu)
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