Off embargo: Cebu Pacific announces Boracay schedule for October

Following the news of a six month “full tourism closure” to Boracay in the Philippines, as of the 26 April of this year, Cebu Pacific has announced it will resume flight to and from Caticlan—the main hub servicing to the popular island retreat, effective 26 October 2018.

Cebu Pacific is the first airline to restart to its coverage to Boracay which was closed due to increasing concerns over the environmental impact of tourism on the island, which saw over 2 million local and foreign holidaymakers in 2017.

The decision to close the island was a controversial move by the Filipino government with its knock-on effects impacting up to 17,000 workers in the hospitality sector, including hotels & resorts, restaurants and bars as well as tour operators and guides.

Despite this, the National Economic & Development Authority (NEDA) said the closure would have only a 0.1% impact on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.

From 26 to 27 October, Cebu Pacific will operate the following flights between Manila and Caticlan:

From 28 October onwards, Cebu Pacific and subsidiary Cebgo will fly up to seven times daily between Manila and Caticlan; twice a day between Cebu and Caticlan; and once a day between Clark and Caticlan. As an alternative, Boracay Island can also be reached by the Cebu Pacific hub in Kalibo. The carrier will fly once daily between Manila and Kalibo; and 7x weekly between Incheon and Kalibo.

Cebu Pacific will be offering a special ticket rate, starting at SGD 128 (USD 93.74) for flights from Singapore to Manila, then straight to Caticlan. The special fares are available from now until tomorrow, 31 August.