MANILA – Philippine Airlines (PAL) will gradually transfer some of its turboprop flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to Clark and Cebu, starting on October 26. This move follows a decision by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to relocate turboprop aircraft to other airports to ease congestion at NAIA.

Background and Key Details 

This measure is based on a resolution from the Manila Slot Coordination Committee on December 3, 2024. The committee is composed of heads of relevant agencies, including the Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports, MIAA, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). The original plan was to transfer 30% of turboprop flights starting in March 2025 and all remaining flights by the last week of March 2026. MIAA General Manager Eric Ines stated that the transfer date was extended to give passengers time to adjust.

Key aspects of the flight transfer are as follows:

Strengthening Clark and Cebu Routes: PAL will significantly expand flights departing from Clark and Cebu.

Departing from Clark: The Clark-Busuanga and Clark-Basco routes will be increased to two flights daily, while the Clark-Siargao route will continue to operate daily. Notably, the Manila-Basco route will be replaced by the Clark-Basco route.
Departing from Cebu: The Cebu-Busuanga and Cebu-Siargao routes will be increased to three flights daily.
New Route Launch: A new route connecting Cebu and Calbayog will begin with four flights per week. This route will replace the existing Manila-Calbayog route, and passengers flying from Manila will be able to travel to Calbayog via a layover in Cebu.
Maintaining Manila Routes: Considering NAIA's accessibility, some key routes will continue to operate. The Manila-Siargao and Manila-Busuanga (Coron) routes will have reduced frequencies but will continue to fly daily. Additionally, the Manila-Antique (San Jose) route will maintain its three-times-a-week schedule, and the Manila-Catarman route will remain at four times a week.

Impact and Outlook of the Transfer 

Carlos Luis Fernandez, PAL's Chief Operating Officer, stated, "We are working closely with aviation authorities, industry stakeholders, and local governments to ensure a smooth transition," and requested passengers' understanding and cooperation.

This measure is part of a government policy to solve NAIA's slot shortage and improve airport operational efficiency by distributing air traffic. NAIA has frequently experienced flight delays and disruptions due to chronic congestion. By transferring turboprop flights to other airports, NAIA's runway capacity can be allocated to larger aircraft, which is expected to allow for more international and domestic jet flights in the long run.

However, some passengers may have to bear inconveniences. Residents of the Manila metropolitan area, in particular, will incur additional time and cost to travel to Clark or Cebu. While PAL is attempting to minimize this inconvenience by maintaining some routes from Manila, there is a possibility that passenger dissatisfaction could grow if the number of transferred routes expands in the future.

This decision also aligns with PAL's long-term strategy of developing Clark and Cebu as new hub airports. As the Philippine government actively promotes the expansion and development of Clark International Airport, PAL's transfer is seen as a move to align with government policy while also capturing a potential market. Clark Airport is expected to absorb air travel demand from the northern Manila region, while Cebu-Mactan Airport will strengthen its role as a gateway to the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

Ultimately, PAL's transfer of turboprop flights signals a structural change in the overall Philippine aviation industry. It is highly likely that the air network will be reorganized around multiple regional hub airports, moving away from a Manila-centric model. This has the positive aspect of providing passengers with new travel options and contributing to economic revitalization in various regions. Of course, minimizing the inconveniences that may arise during the process and ensuring a smooth transition are the immediate challenges.

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