Direct flights from Cebu to Ho Chi Minh City commenced by PAL (Philippine Airlines)
Fly Away with Philippine Airlines' New Nonstop Route!
Philippine Airlines (PAL) took a massive leap forward in its quest to bolster regional connectivity, announcing the launch of its first nonstop service connecting Cebu and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This exhilarating development represents a monumental milestone in PAL's mission to foster tourism growth across Central Visayas.
On May 2, 2025, an innovative journey began, as PR 587 soared into the skies from Mactan-Cebu International Airport. The departure was marked by a heartwarming water cannon salute and a cake-cutting ceremony, attended by esteemed guests from PAL, Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, the Department of Tourism, and assorted travel industry titans.
"We're beyond excited to inaugurate our nonstop flight to Ho Chi Minh City and usher in a fresh era for PAL," beamed Capt. Stanley K. Ng, PAL's president and chief operating officer. "This pathbreaking Cebu-Vietnam route not only fortifies bonds between the Philippines and Vietnam but also offers passengers unparalleled travel convenience between two Southeast Asian powerhouses."
The Cebu-Ho Chi Minh City route will maintain a consistent schedule, with weekly departures on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from Cebu, and corresponding returns every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday from Ho Chi Minh City [3][4][5]. The service will be graced by the presence of Airbus A321 jetliners, accommodating up to 199 fortunate travelers in both Business Class and Economy Class [2][4].
Cynthia K. Chan, Lapu-Lapu City Representative, extended heartfelt gratitude to PAL for boosting Cebu's international tourism appeal. "We owe you a debt of gratitude for aiding in the promotion of our city and province on a global scale and bolstering our prestigious standing as one of Asia's premier travel destinations," she said.
Judy dela Cruz Gabato, DOT 7 Director, concurred, viewing the new route as a catalyst for increased international tourist arrivals, particularly from the Vietnamese market.
The Cebu-Saigon route supplements PAL's existing eight weekly flights between Manila and Ho Chi Minh City. PAL, pioneers of air travel between the Philippines and Vietnam, continue to expand their regional footprint, set to increase their Manila-Hanoi flights to ten weekly journeys starting June 1 and launch a fresh Manila-Da Nang route on July 1.
PAL's strategic route growth confirms its role as a driving force for regional economic growth and a bridge fostering cross-cultural exchanges within Southeast Asia.
/ KOC
- The new nonstop route by Philippine Airlines (PAL) connecting Cebu and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is expected to boost tourism growth across Central Visayas and foster tourism appeal in Cebu.
- The Cebu-Ho Chi Minh City route, served by Airbus A321 jetliners, will offer weekly departures on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from Cebu, providing unparalleled travel convenience between two Southeast Asian powerhouses.
- Business, lifestyle, and aviation sectors are likely to benefit from this route, potentially stimulating economic growth in the Philippines and Vietnam, given the increased connectivity between the two countries.
- The Cebu-Ho Chi Minh City route by PAL supplements the airline's existing eight weekly flights between Manila and Ho Chi Minh City, underscoring its commitment to expanding its regional footprint.
- On May 2, 2025, the inaugural flight PR 587 on this route took off from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, marking a significant step in PAL's mission to establish itself as a driving force for regional economic growth and a bridge fostering cross-cultural exchanges within Southeast Asia.
