PAL expands Cebu hub with new routes

CEBU, Philippines — Philippine Airlines (PAL) has announced plans to expand its Cebu hub, starting with the launch of a new Cebu-Catarman (Northern Samar) route and enhanced flight frequencies on its Cebu-Siargao services.

Starting March 1, PAL will offer thrice-weekly flights linking Cebu with Catarman City, the capital of Northern Samar and a key commercial and educational hub in Eastern Visayas.

Concurrently, PAL is increasing Cebu-Siargao flights, adding midmorning services on Wednesdays and Sundays, bringing the total to 18 weekly flights between Cebu and Siargao Island, renowned as the surfing capital of the Philippines.

“Philippine Airlines is pleased to introduce new connections to Catarman, offering Samar residents and travelers improved access to Cebu. This route also provides Cebuanos more opportunities to explore Northern Samar,” said PAL Express President Rabbi Ang.

“These new Cebu hub services underscore our commitment to enhancing inter-island connectivity, supporting tourism, and driving economic activity,” he added.

Ang also emphasized PAL’s collaboration with Northern Samar government authorities and local communities to ensure the success of the new Cebu-Catarman route.

The Cebu-Catarman flights will be operated using the De Havilland Dash 8 Series 400 Next Generation aircraft, which offers near-jet speeds and enhanced passenger comfort.

Travelers from Catarman City will benefit from seamless connections via PAL’s Cebu hub to popular destinations such as Caticlan (Boracay), Clark, Busuanga (Coron), Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, and Siargao. Additionally, PAL continues to serve Catarman with four weekly flights to and from Manila.

To promote the launch of the Cebu-Catarman-Cebu service, Ang announced that PAL is offering special introductory base fares starting at PHP 698. This promotion is available until January 31 for travel beginning March 1, 2025.

For Siargao travelers, PAL also operates two daily flights between Manila and Siargao and three weekly flights from Clark.

The expanded Cebu hub reflects PAL’s ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic connectivity, bolster tourism, and stimulate local economies.