Cebu Pacific transfers more turboprop flights to Clark
Budget carrier Cebu Pacific is transferring some of its turboprop-serviced flights from Manila to Clark as part of a broader effort to decongest Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), the country’s main air gateway.
Beginning Oct. 26, Cebu Pacific’s Naga (Camarines Sur) and San Jose (Mindoro) flights operated by its regional subsidiary Cebgo will relocate to Clark International Airport.
“As a result of the transfer, direct flights between Manila and Naga will now operate only once daily from twice daily,” the airline says in an advisory.
Cebu Pacific says affected passengers will be given options to rebook their flights for free, apply for a refund, or store the amount in their travel fund.
“CEB recognizes the importance of managing airport capacity effectively, which will lead to improved passenger experience and greater public convenience,” it added.
Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific subsidiary AirSwift will continue to operate from Naia Terminal 2 until March next year.
Cebu Pacific announced the flight transfers in line with the resolution that had been issued by the Manila Slot Coordination Committee of the Department of Transportation in July to transfer turboprop operations to other airports.
The Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) had confirmed to the Inquirer that the phaseout of turboprop operations at Naia would be delayed to to summer next year “to ensure a smoother transition while maintaining regional connectivity, especially in top tourist destinations.”
It had said that adjusting the schedule would give operators more time to manage logistical and operational adjustments.
At present, Cebu Pacific has a network coverage consisting of 37 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia and the United Arab Emirates. It runs one of the world’s youngest fleets with 100 aircraft.
The low-cost carrier has flown more than 250 million passengers since venturing into the aviation industry in March 1996.
