Flight frequencies to several domestic destinations increase

MANILA – Local carriers Philippine Airlines (PAL) and AirAsia Philippines on Thursday announced the increase in its flight frequencies to several domestic destinations this month.

In an advisory posted on its Facebook page, PAL said flights between Manila and Bohol, and Batanes, will be increased starting May 17 and May 20, respectively.

There will be three daily flights between Manila and Tagbilaran, Bohol from the current twice per day; and three weekly flights between Manila and Basco, Batanes from the current twice-weekly services.

Manila to Basco flights will be every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6 a.m., while flights from Basco to Manila will be offered on the same days at 8:15 a.m.

“This is a reflection of heightened passenger demand for flights to domestic tourist destinations. This is a reflection of travel confidence and the signal of the eventual return of domestic flights to pre-pandemic levels,” PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna told the Philippine News Agency.

Meanwhile, AirAsia Philippines has announced increasing its flight frequencies to Caticlan from the current 35 weekly flights to 38 weekly by the end of May.

Flights to Iloilo will be 30 times weekly from 18 times weekly; while flights to Bacolod will also increase from 18 to 21 times weekly by the end of May.

Before the end of May, the flight frequencies to the following destinations will also be increased: Cagayan (from 9 weekly to 11 weekly); Kalibo (from 18 weekly to 27 weekly).

AirAsia Philippines chief executive officer Ricardo Isla said in a statement the airline is expecting an increase in the demand for forward bookings by the end of second quarter, for travels in the third and fourth quarter.