More turboprop flights moving to Clark

MANILA, Philippines — More turboprop flights are transferring to the Clark International Airport by October, with Cebu Pacific relocating Manila trips to Naga and San Jose in compliance with the government’s order.

Cebu Pacific is pulling out its Manila services to Naga, Camarines Sur and San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, its second set of withdrawal from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The Naga and San Jose flights will be operating in Clark by Oct. 26 in line with the directive of the Manila Slot Coordination Committee (MSCC) to remove turboprops in NAIA.

By Oct. 26, Cebu Pacific will operate Clark flights to Naga four times a week. Likewise, the carrier will offer thrice a week connection between Clark and San Jose.

Cebu Pacific said it supports MSCC’s decision to push turboprops out of NAIA as it views the policy as a way to improve runway efficiency.

“Cebu Pacific recognizes the importance of managing airport capacity effectively, which would lead to improved passenger experience and greater public convenience,” the airline said.

Prior to this, Cebu Pacific relocated its Manila flights to Masbate and Siargao in compliance with the initial order to pull out 30 percent of turboprop fleets in NAIA.

Originally, MSCC had instructed carriers to transfer their turboprop operations in Manila by October, but was deferred to March 30 for a smoother transition.

Boutique carrier AirSWIFT, which was bought out by Cebu Pacific last year, will stay in NAIA’s Terminal 2 until March 2026. AirSWIFT operates an all-turboprop fleet as it primarily reaches secluded islands, particularly El Nido.

To promote the Clark transfer, Cebu Pacific is holding a seat sale for Naga and San Jose flights for as low as P1 per way. Guests are given a travel period until March 31, 2026.

Cebu Pacific, the country’s largest carrier by fleet and passenger size, manages the most number of turboprops among local airlines, at 22 currently.

Turboprops are deployed mainly to reach island destinations like Busuanga and Siargao, where the airports have shorter or unpaved runways, making it incapable of landing jetliners.