Cebu-Quanzhou direct flights resume amid China travel push
Travelers from Cebu now have direct access to Quanzhou in China’s Fujian province, after Xiamen Air resumed its twice-weekly service on March 29 via Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).
In a statement on Monday, the Aboitiz-run airport said the Cebu-Quanzhou route—which takes about 3 hours—would operate every Tuesday and Saturday using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
“The launch of the Cebu-Quanzhou route reaffirms our mandate to drive economic growth in the region through robust aviation connectivity as the premier transfer hub in the Philippines,” said Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp. CEO Athanasios Titonis.
“By bridging Central Visayas directly with Fujian, we are opening up immense opportunities for local tourism operators, exporters and businesses,” Titonis added.
Data from the Department of Tourism showed that 262,144 Chinese nationals had visited the Philippines in 2025, ranking sixth among foreign tourist arrivals.
Arrivals from China are expected to improve this year following the rollout of a 14-day visa-free entry policy for eligible Chinese tourists in January, which MCIA said would complement the restored route.
“With the recent easing of visa requirements, we are thrilled to welcome a new wave of travelers and provide them with a seamless, world-class transit experience with our signature Cebuano warmth,” said MCIA Authority general manager and CEO Julius Neri Jr.
Beyond tourism, the airport operator said the direct link would also strengthen trade connectivity between Cebu, considered the commercial and export hub of the Visayas, and Quanzhou, a major manufacturing center known for textiles, footwear and stone products.
The airport operator said the route restoration follows the Cebu Provincial Government’s diplomatic mission in February to Fujian, where Gov. Pamela Baricuatro had met with officials to strengthen ties between the two provinces.
MCIA is the country’s second-busiest airport, having accommodated 11.6 million passengers in 2025. It is part of Aboitiz InfraCapital’s airport portfolio, which also includes Bohol-Panglao International Airport and Laguindingan International Airport.
