MANILA, Philippines — Budget airline Cebu Pacific has launched its maiden flight to Da Nang, expanding its network of routes to cover all bases in tourist hotbed Vietnam.
Cebu Pacific completed its inaugural flight to Da Nang on Thursday, providing passengers with a direct linkage to the largest city in the center of Vietnam.
Da Nang is Cebu Pacific’s third destination in Vietnam after the capital city Hanoi and the economic center Ho Chi Minh.
Cebu Pacific operates flights to Da Nang thrice a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Flight 5J 5756 leaves Manila at 7:25 in the evening and lands in Da Nang at 9:30 in the evening, local time, given that the Philippines is an hour ahead of Vietnam.
On the other hand, Flight 5J 5757 flies out of Vietnamese city at 10:30 in the evening and arrives in Manila at 2:25 in the morning, Philippine time.
Cebu Pacific uses a 188-seater A320 to serve the newest addition to its network.
Prior to this, Filipinos visiting Da Nang have to book a connecting flight from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh and spend at least 10 hours just to get to the city.
With the introduction of a direct flight, Cebu Pacific removes the need for passengers to pay for an additional stop and to wait at another airport during layover.
Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Alexander Lao said the new offering allows Filipinos to reach Da Nang in three hours and save around seven hours in travel time.