Philippines' Cebu Pacific to launch direct Cebu-Ho Chi Minh flights

Cebu Pacific (CEB), the Philippines' largest low-cost airline, is set to commence direct flights between Cebu and Ho Chi Minh City on 7 April. This new route marks the first direct air link between Central Visayas and Vietnam, enhancing travel options for both Filipino and Vietnamese passengers.

Flights are scheduled thrice weekly - every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday - offering travel opportunities for leisure and business travellers alike.

To celebrate the launch, CEB is offering promotional one-way base fares starting at one peso (excluding fees and surcharges) for bookings made from 20 to 24 February, according to government-owned Philippine News Agency (PNA). This is applicable for travel between 7 April and 31 July.

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CEB, established in 1988, has grown to become the largest airline in the Philippines by fleet size, operating from multiple hubs including Manila, Cebu, Davao, Clark, and Iloilo. The airline offers an extensive network of domestic and international destinations, focusing on making air travel more accessible and affordable.

This expansion aligns with the growing demand for travel between the Philippines and Vietnam, reflecting the strengthening ties and increasing tourism between the two nations.

"As Vietnam continues to grow in popularity among Filipino travellers, launching a new gateway to the country via Ho Chi Minh City is an exciting step for Cebu Pacific," CEB president Xander Lao said, as quoted by PNA. "We look forward to offering travellers from Cebu the chance to explore a new destination more seamlessly, and to welcoming more international visitors to discover the Philippines."

The Philippine airline industry has seen significant growth over the past decades, with CEB playing a pivotal role in promoting budget travel. The introduction of this new route not only enhances connectivity but also supports economic and cultural exchanges within the ASEAN region.

Travellers interested in exploring Vietnam's vibrant culture or Filipinos returning from Vietnam can now enjoy the convenience of direct flights, further solidifying CEB's commitment to expanding its network and providing value-for-money services.

In the first nine months of 2024, the airline reported 74.5 billion pesos (US$1.3 billion) in revenue, an 11% increase year-on-year, driven by 17.5 million passengers flown, as reported by local media.

However, net income declined by 33% to 3.4 billion pesos (US$59 million) due to increased investment in fleet expansion and operational reliability. By September 2024, CEB had grown its fleet to 91 aircraft, adding 10 new planes and 10 spare engines.

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