The national flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) said on Monday (Dec 21) afternoon that it has increased domestic flights on various routes in a timely manner during the vacation season and in accordance with the network restoration plan.

The expansion of the range of flights is the most significant increase in domestic commercial operations by the national carrier this year. The official data shows an increase of 103 per cent in PAL flights compared to November 2020 as the local tourism industry has continued to rebound gradually with the calibrated relaxation of travel requirements, the reopening of tourist routes and the enhancement of health and safety protocols.

Philippine Airlines has doubled its services on the main connection between Manila and Cebu, from 14 to 28 weekly round-trip flights since 1 December. Flights between Manila and Cagayan de Oro have risen to three times a day, while flights between Manila and Tacloban have doubled to twice a day.

The airline has resumed or launched its flight services to Antique, Boracay, Catarman, Coron and Siargao. The carrier operates up to two flights a day from Manila to Caticlan Airport in Boracay. The carrier’s Cebu hub continues its expansion with flights to Bacolod, Clark, General Santos, Legazpi, Puerto Princesa and Siargao.

Philippine Airlines also maintains regular operations from Davao to Zamboanga and vice versa. It has again launched its services to Tagbilaran (Panglao airport) in November following the reopening of the Bohol province to domestic tourism.

The airline is raising flight frequencies on most domestic routes, including those from Manila to Butuan, Cotabato, Kalibo, Laoag, Legazpi, Ozamiz, Pagadian and Puerto Princesa; and the same between Cebu and Butuan and Davao.

Mr. Harry Inoferio, PAL senior assistant vice president for Philippine sales, has said during a news press, “We are mobilizing more aircraft and hiking flights throughout our network to further help boost the recovery of the economy, including the tourism sector which is a major provider of jobs and business.”

Philippine Airlines has resumed service to an additional 15 destinations, expanding its network to 25 domestic destinations and 32 international destinations. The carrier is adding additional flights to Bangkok, Dammam, Guam, Hong Kong, Honolulu, Jakarta, London, Nagoya, New York, Osaka, Riyadh and Taipei.