Cebu Pacific restarts Davao-Singapore flights

MANILA, Philippines — Budget carrier Cebu Pacific has reinstated its Davao to Singapore route to become the first local airline to restart its foreign flights from the Francisco Bangoy International Airport.

Cebu Pacific is set to resume direct flights from Davao to Singapore and vice versa starting Oct. 30, operating the route at least three times a week, every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Cebu Pacific marks its return to the Francisco Bangoy International Airport, known as the Davao International Airport, for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it pushes forward with its strategy to expand flights outside Metro Manila.

According to Cebu Pacific, Flight 5J 715 departs the Davao airport at 5:15 in the afternoon and lands at the Singapore Changi Airport at 9:10 in the evening. The return plane Flight 5J 716 flies off from Singapore at 9:55 in the evening, reaching Davao at 1:40 in the morning the next day.

Cebu Pacific chief commercial officer Xander Lao said the budget carrier decided to reopen the route to serve passengers in Mindanao who need to travel abroad.

He added that restarting flights in the regions will be prioritized for the rest of the year.

“We are excited to bring back this route as we know passengers in Mindanao have been waiting for more affordable and convenient flight options to fly abroad,” Lao said.

“Now that we’ve strengthened our operations from Manila, it’s time we move forward to growing our regional hubs as we work toward restoring 100 percent of our pre-pandemic capacity in the coming months,” he added.

Cebu Pacific reminded travelers headed for Singapore they no longer have to submit a negative COVID-19 test and undergo quarantine upon arrival.

Instead, guests have to present their proof of full vaccination as shown in a vaccine certificate or a yellow card.

Likewise, they have to fill out a Singapore arrival card three days before the trip.

Returning to Davao, Cebu Pacific said, boosted Filipinos no longer need to take a COVID-19 test prior to departure.

The low-cost carrier still reminded its passengers to always check with its travel guidelines for the requirements in entering destinations.

As countries ease their border restrictions, Cebu Pacific has raised its flight volume to a number of destinations, especially Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Kuala Lumpur, Nagoya, Osaka, Seoul and Singapore.

Listed Cebu Air Inc., operator of Cebu Pacific, has allocated P32.8 billion for its capital expenditures this year, as it eyes to get seven new aircrafts to serve the recovering demand for air travel.