Philippine Airlines (PAL) has inaugurated the first-ever nonstop flights between Mactan-Cebu (CEB | RPVM) and Catarman (CRM | RPVF), further expanding its domestic network. The new route strengthens PAL’s growing operations from its Cebu hub, marking its 22nd route from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
A simple pre-launch program and a cake-slicing ceremony were held on 01 March 2025 to commemorate the event. Attendees included representatives from PAL, Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), the Department of Tourism (DOT), and various 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. 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,” according to PAL Express President Rabbi Vincent Ang.
Department of Tourism Region 7 Director Judy Gabato expressed optimism about the impact of the new service, saying that improved connectivity between provinces will significantly enhance domestic tourism arrivals.
The maiden flight, PR 2653, departed from Mactan-Cebu International Airport on 04 March 2025 at 0950H and arrived at Catarman National Airport at 1050H. Its return leg, PR 2654, left Catarman at 1116H and arrived in Cebu at 1208H. PAL will operate the Cebu-Catarman-Cebu service three times weekly — every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
PAL is utilizing its 86-seater De Havilland Dash 8-400 Next Generation aircraft for this route, ensuring a comfortable journey with the airline’s signature Filipino hospitality.
Further expanding its regional connectivity, PAL will introduce a new nonstop service between Cebu and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) starting 02 May 2025. The airline will operate this route three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
This new Cebu-Catarman service complements PAL’s existing flights between Manila and Catarman, which currently operate four times a week.
Philippine Airlines remains the country’s only full-service network airline and was recently recognized by Cirium as the seventh most punctual airline in the Asia-Pacific region for 2024.