Philippine Airlines (PAL), the flag carrier of the Philippines, has announced the planned resumption of its service to Osaka, Japan.
Starting December 22, 2024, PAL will recommence nonstop flights between Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Osaka Kansai International Airport. This strategic move will coincide with the busy Christmas holiday season.
PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Captain Stanley K. Ng was pleased with this route revival. “We’re thrilled to return to the Cebu-Osaka route. These direct flights will significantly boost tourism and local businesses in Cebu and the broader Visayas region.”
“Moreover, they’ll play a crucial role in strengthening our bilateral relations and cultural ties with Japan. We’re eager to showcase Cebu’s world-renowned resorts and rich cultural experiences to travelers from Western Japan, while also facilitating family reunions for our overseas Filipino community.”
Expansion of Japan Route Network
This route resumption marks a significant expansion of PAL’s Japanese network. Japan stands as the Philippines’ fourth-largest source of tourist visitors and is home to over 300,000 overseas Filipinos, underscoring the importance of this air link.
Initially, PAL will operate three weekly flights, providing direct access to Cebu for tourists and business travelers from western Japan.
In light of the growing demand, the airline plans to increase service frequency from February 26, 2025, adding an extra weekly flight to accommodate more travelers.
Osaka: A Popular Cultural Center
Osaka, the destination city, is renowned for its vibrant history, rich culture, delectable cuisine, and dynamic shopping districts.
It serves as a gateway to other popular tourist destinations in the region, including the ancient imperial capital of Kyoto, historic Nara, cosmopolitan Kobe, and various attractions around the Kansai Bay area.
Visitors can explore iconic sites such as Osaka Castle, the lively Dotonbori district, and the world-famous Universal Studios Japan.
Cebu: Onwards Connections
From Cebu, travelers can seamlessly connect to various domestic destinations within the Philippines. PAL offers flights to popular locations such as Boracay, Davao, Siargao, Palawan, and many others. This makes it convenient for international visitors to explore the diverse beauty of the Philippine archipelago.
Philippine Airlines, founded in 1941, has a rich history as Asia’s first and oldest commercial airline still operating under its original name. With over 80 years of service, PAL has established itself as a leader in Philippine aviation, continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of air travelers.
The airline operates a modern fleet of aircraft, including Airbus A320, A321, A330, and A350 models, as well as De Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprops for regional routes. For the Cebu-Osaka service, PAL will deploy a 199-seater Airbus A321ceo, offering comfortable and efficient travel for passengers.
PAL’s commitment to excellence has earned it numerous accolades over the years. In 2024, it retained its Skytrax 4-Star Major Airline rating and was named one of the Top 30 Airlines globally. The airline has also been recognized for its punctuality, ranking among the most on-time airlines in the Asia-Pacific region.
Summary
The resumption of Cebu-Osaka flights complements PAL’s existing Japan routes, which include twice-daily flights between Manila and Osaka Kansai, and daily flights connecting Cebu and Tokyo Narita.
In total, PAL offers the most comprehensive network of flights linking the Philippines and Japan, with nonstop services to Osaka Kansai, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Tokyo Haneda, and Tokyo Narita.
Beyond its Japan routes, PAL continues to expand its international presence from Cebu. The airline currently operates daily flights to Seoul (Incheon) and thrice-weekly services to Bangkok. This further solidifying Cebu’s position as a key international gateway in the central Philippines.
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