Philippine Airlines (PAL) is set to reinstate its direct flight service between Cebu and Osaka, Japan, in a move aimed at enhancing tourism and business connections. Starting 22 December 2024, the flag carrier will operate three weekly nonstop flights between Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB | RPVM) and Kansai International Airport (KIX | RJBB), resuming its presence in this key market just in time for the Christmas holiday season.
The airline’s decision to restore the Cebu-Osaka route underscores its commitment to expanding its network in Japan, a crucial market for the Philippines as the country’s fourth-largest source of tourist arrivals and home to over 300,000 overseas Filipinos. To meet increasing demand, PAL plans to add a fourth weekly flight to the route starting 26 February 2025.
“We are delighted to make our comeback in the Cebu-Osaka market, just in time for the Christmas holiday season. Our direct flights from Mactan to Kansai will help us promote the tourism industry and local businesses in Cebu and the Visayas region, and deepen both bilateral relations and cultural ties with our Japanese counterparts. Philippine Airlines looks forward to giving travelers from Western Japan the opportunity to experience the outstanding resorts and heritage experiences that Cebu is famous for, or to reunite with loved ones in the Philippines,” according PAL President & COO Captain Stanley K. Ng.
The resumption of the Cebu-Osaka service comes as a welcome development for travelers from both countries. Cebu, known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture, is a favorite destination for Japanese tourists, particularly those seeking leisure and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. Meanwhile, Osaka serves as a gateway to some of Japan’s most iconic destinations, including Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, making it a popular starting point for tourists exploring the Kansai region.
The new Cebu-Osaka service will be operated using a 199-seater Airbus A321 CEO, offering travelers a comfortable and convenient option to travel between the two cities. The flight schedule is as follows:
- PR 410 Cebu to Osaka: Departing every Monday, Thursday, and Sunday at 1145H PhST (GMT+8) from Mactan-Cebu, arriving in Osaka Kansai at 1700H GMT+9.
- PR 409 Osaka to Cebu: Departing every Monday, Thursday, and Sunday at 1800H GMT+9 from Osaka Kansai, arriving in Mactan-Cebu at 2140H PhST (GMT+8).
With the additional flight beginning 26 February 2024, the schedule will include an extra Wednesday service, bringing the total frequency to four times weekly.
The reintroduction of this route complements PAL’s existing flights between Manila and Osaka Kansai, as well as its daily Cebu-Tokyo Narita service. Overall, PAL maintains the largest network of flights between the Philippines and Japan, with nonstop services to Osaka Kansai, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Tokyo Haneda, and Tokyo Narita. The airline also offers other international connections from Cebu, including daily flights to Seoul (Incheon) and thrice-weekly flights to Bangkok.
For reservations and further inquiries, passengers are encouraged to contact the PAL Hotline at (+632) 8855-8888, visit the PAL mobile app, the official website www.philippineairlines.com, or reach out to their preferred travel agents.