MANILA – Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced on Friday the gradual transfer of turboprop-operated flights from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to Clark and Cebu starting Oct. 26.

The move is in line with the aviation authorities' plan to gradually transfer turboprops from NAIA to other airports.

The resolution was issued on Dec. 3, 2024 by the Manila Slot Coordination Committee, composed of the Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports, and the respective chiefs of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), and New NAIA Infra Corp. general manager.

MIAA General Manager Eric Ines told the Philippine News Agency that the plan was to transfer an initial 30 percent of turboprops beginning March 2025.

The rest are planned for transfer until the last Sunday of March 2026.

"The extension was made to give more time for passengers to adjust," he said.

With this, the Tan-led PAL will expand its flight offerings from both Clark and Cebu.

Services between Clark and Busuanga, as well as Clark and Basco, will increase to twice daily, while Clark-Siargao flights will continue to operate daily.

The Clark-Basco operations will replace the Manila-Basco route, PAL said.

From Cebu, flights to Busuanga and Siargao will be increased to three times daily.

Additionally, PAL will launch a new route from Cebu to Calbayog, with flights operating four times weekly. This Cebu-Calbayog service will replace the Manila-Calbayog flights. Passengers flying out of Manila can still opt to connect via Cebu to Calbayog.

Meanwhile, PAL's turboprop flights from Manila to the key destinations of Siargao and Busuanga (Coron) will continue, but with reduced frequencies. This is to ensure the preservation of essential air links for Greater Manila residents and passengers connecting from international flights via PAL’s Manila hub. Both routes will be served with daily flights.

The flag carrier will also maintain its current schedule of three weekly flights between Manila and Antique (San Jose), as well as its four weekly flights between Manila and Catarman.

“We seek the cooperation and understanding of the flying public as we work closely with aviation authorities, industry stakeholders, and local government units to ensure a smooth transition,” PAL Chief Operating Officer Carlos Luis Fernandez said in a statement. (PNA)