Philippine Airlines (PAL) launched the first-ever nonstop flights between Cebu and Catarman, the latest move in a progressive expansion of the flag carrier’s domestic network.
The Cebu-Catarman service was feted with a simple pre-launch program and a cake-slicing ceremony last March 1. On hand to mark the special moment were officials of PAL, Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), the Department of Tourism (DOT), and other travel industry groups.
“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. “Travelers from Northern Samar may now use PAL’s Cebu gateway to connect conveniently to Boracay, Coron, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa and Siargao.”
“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,” Department of Tourism 7 Regional Director Judy Gabato added.
On March 4, Flight PR 2653 Cebu-Catarman departed from Mactan-Cebu International Airport at 9:50 AM, and arrived at Catarman National Airport at 10:50 AM.
PR 2654 Catarman-Cebu likewise departed from Catarman at 11:16 AM and arrived in Cebu at 12:08 PM.
The thrice weekly Cebu-Catarman-Cebu service is the 22nd route operated by PAL from its growing gateway hub at Mactan-Cebu airport. The flag carrier links Cebu to 18 other domestic points as well as to four (4) overseas destinations (namely Bangkok, Tokyo, Osaka and Seoul).
From May 2, 2025, PAL will introduce nonstop flights between Cebu and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) with an initial schedule of three flights per week every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
The Cebu-Catarman service complements PAL’s existing four weekly flights to Catarman from Manila.
PAL deploys its 86-seater De Havilland Dash 8-400 Next Generation aircraft on the Cebu-Catarman route, offering a comfortable journey along with the airline’s trademark Filipino heartfelt service.
The Philippines’ only full-service network airline, PAL was awarded a Top Airline Performer ranking by Cirium as the seventh most punctual airline in the Asia-Pacific region for 2024.
For flight reservations and other inquiries, travelers may visit the PAL website at www.philippineairlines.com, contact the PAL Hotline at (+632) 8855-8888, visit the PAL mobile app, or reach out to their preferred ticketing offices or travel agents.