Tourism, economic boom seen as Cebu expands air connections

Local

CEBU has expanded its air connections this December, opening new direct flights that promise faster travel, increased tourism, and greater economic opportunities for residents and businesses alike.

This expansion includes a direct connection to neighboring Siquijor, marking a historic milestone for the island province.

Sunlight Air’s inaugural flight landed at Siquijor Airport on December 15, carrying 68 passengers aboard an ATR 72-500 aircraft.

The flight represents Siquijor’s first-ever commercial service, ending its long reliance on ferries and sea transport.

Governor Jake Villa, who spearheaded the project alongside his father, Congressman Jecoy Villa, described the achievement as the fulfillment of a long-term vision.

“This is the result of our long-term efforts, my father and I, from building the airport, to forging partnerships between the Provincial Government and Sunlight Air,” he said. “What we have long dreamed of has finally come true. It is a promise fulfilled, a new chapter for Siquijor.”

Before the airport opened, reaching Siquijor required hours of land and sea travel, often involving multiple ferry transfers.

The new route now cuts travel time from Cebu to roughly one hour, providing a faster, more convenient option for tourists, investors, and returning residents. Sunlight Air will operate nonstop flights to Siquijor every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

Cebu further expanded its international reach this month. Philippine Airlines launched its first direct flight from Cebu to Guam, celebrated with a water cannon salute, ribbon cutting, and ceremonial cake.

The event was attended by Guam Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero, Department of Tourism-7 OIC Regional Director Gelena Asis-Dimpas, officials from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, and PAL executives.

The new route establishes a gateway across the Pacific, connecting Cebu to North America and reinforcing the province’s position as a rising global travel hub.

Adding more options for international travelers, T’way Air inaugurated daily direct flights from Icheon, South Korea, to Cebu, using its A330 aircraft.

Passengers were welcomed with a water cannon salute at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, opening another convenient link for tourists to explore Cebu’s beaches, cultural sites, and adventure destinations, as well as Korean travelers seeking leisure and business opportunities.

For Cebu, the expanded direct connections underline the province’s strategy to strengthen its role as a regional aviation hub.

Authorities expect that the combination of domestic and international routes will boost tourism, create jobs, attract investments, and further integrate the region into global travel networks.(MyTVCebu)