EXPANSION. Key officials from Borongan City government and Philippine Airlines sign an updated agreement for the additional flights between Cebu City and the Eastern Samar capital on Thursday (Sept. 12, 2024). The new Wednesday flight complements the existing Monday and Friday flights. (Photo courtesy of Borongan city government)
TACLOBAN CITY – Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) will launch its third weekly flight from Borongan Airport in Eastern Samar to Cebu on Sept. 18, complementing the existing Monday and Friday flights.
The Borongan City government said the additional flights would provide greater connectivity for Eastern Samar residents and visitors.
“This partnership brings renewed hope to the people of Borongan and Eastern Samar. The steady rise in passengers utilizing Borongan Airport is a clear sign that air transportation has become a crucial need for our community. We are deeply thankful to Philippine Airlines for their unwavering support in enhancing connectivity for our region,” said Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda in a statement Friday.
On Sept. 12, Agda and PAL president and chief executive officer Capt. Stanley Ng signed an updated agreement for the new Wednesday flight.
“Philippine Airlines is honored to support Borongan City's growth. Our commitment to reliable and accessible air travel aligns with the city’s mission of fostering development and bringing hope to Eastern Samar. By expanding our flights, we aim to connect communities and unlock further opportunities for the region,” Ng said during the signing.
Since commercial flights between Borongan and Cebu began in December 2022, the route has been vital for passengers traveling to and from Eastern Samar, according to the city government.
To date, more than 19,000 passengers have used the Borongan-Cebu route, and cargo operations have also increased.
“The city’s initiatives, such as the establishment of agricultural and veterinary assistance desks at the airport, have contributed to this rise in cargo volume,” Agda added.
City information office chief and chairperson of flight operations Rupert Ambil II said there is a high demand for mid-week flights from locals.
“We have gained valuable insights from the operations so far, and with the support of national agencies, we hope to add a fourth weekly flight next year,” Ambil said in a phone interview.
Ambil said the connecting hub of Borongan is Cebu. From Cebu, travelers from Eastern Samar can fly to Manila and to any PAL stations in the country.
To help sustain PAL’s operation, the Borongan city government donated a passenger departure terminal to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.
The city government also offers a free shuttle service to and from the airport on flight days. (PNA)
