Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA | TAG | RPSP) marked a significant operational and commercial aviation milestone on 27 October 2026 as it welcomed the inaugural landing of Philippine Airlines’ Airbus A330. Touched down on the runway at exactly 0625H, the wide-body aircraft operated flights PR1771 and PR1772 connecting Manila (MNL) and Bohol (TAG). The inaugural inbound flight arrived carrying 150 passengers and was honored upon arrival with a ceremonial water cannon salute, an esteemed and time-honored aviation tradition reserved for momentous flight operations. Following its successful arrival and turnaround, the twin-aisle jet departed for Manila carrying 190 travelers, successfully ferrying a combined total of 340 passengers across its first two-way rotation.
The deployment of the Airbus A330 brings a notable expansion in seat supply, offering significantly higher carrying capacity per departure compared to the traditional narrow-body jetliners that regularly ply the Manila-Bohol sector. This inaugural flight officially establishes Philippine Airlines as the second carrier to introduce wide-body operations into Bohol. Accommodating larger commercial aircraft was achieved through strategic infrastructure enhancements spearheaded by Aboitiz InfraCapital Bohol Airport Corporation, the private concessionaire and operator of Bohol-Panglao International Airport. To facilitate regular wide-body capabilities, the airport operator upgraded the facility’s dedicated rescue and firefighting capabilities, working in direct coordination with regulatory and safety authorities including the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the Bureau of Fire Protection.
Addressing the arrival of the wide-body service, Aldwin Uy, General Manager of Aboitiz InfraCapital Bohol Airport Corporation, emphasized the broader socioeconomic impact that such network developments bring to the region. “Having both of the country’s major airlines fly wide-body aircraft into Bohol shows how far BPIA has come. Every additional seat into Bohol is an opportunity for our communities, from hotels and tour operators to the farmers, artisans and small enterprises that make the Bohol experience what it is,” according to Uy.
Provincial leaders also expressed their strong appreciation and enthusiasm regarding the expanded air links, highlighting their direct role in catalyzing local tourism growth. “We happily welcome Philippine Airlines’ very first Airbus A330 here at our Bohol-Panglao International Airport. This shows the confidence of our airlines in the potential of the Province of Bohol for more tourists and visitors. Thank you very much, Philippine Airlines,” said Governor Erico ‘Aris’ Aumentado, Governor of Bohol Province.
The addition of substantial wide-body passenger capacity comes at an optimal time as Bohol prepares for the surge of travelers during the peak year-end travel season. Furthermore, the enhanced seat numbers directly reinforce the Provincial Government’s upcoming Visit Bohol 2027 campaign, an initiative harmonized between public and private industry stakeholders during the Bohol Tourism Marketing Workshop held earlier this month. As the first designated UNESCO Global Geopark in the Philippines and one of its fastest-growing leisure destinations, Bohol stands to benefit considerably from the dual presence of wide-body operators at its premier gateway. With two major carriers now deploying wide-body aircraft to Bohol-Panglao International Airport, the facility is well equipped to handle larger passenger movements, grant airlines greater operational flexibility during high-demand periods, and unlock prospective route development opportunities.