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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider PAL to boost NAIA jet flights in March as turboprops exit

PAL to boost NAIA jet flights in March as turboprops exit

Published Feb 2, 2026 03:52 pm
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) will expand its domestic operations out of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) next month as it completes the transfer of its turboprops to regional airports.
In an advisory, PAL said it will introduce more flights to local routes serviced by jets beginning in March, particularly once all its turboprop aircraft are no longer operating in the country’s main gateway.
PAL is planning to increase weekly flights on high-demand routes, raising frequencies to 76 for Cebu, 42 for Iloilo, and 28 for Tacloban.
It will also increase flights to Dumaguete to 21 per week and to Roxas to 14.
The Lucio Tan-led airline is expanding capacity to these destinations to sustain strong travel demand and offer passengers more options.
Based on the timelines set by the Manila Slot Coordination Committee (MSCC), PAL will withdraw its remaining turboprops from NAIA by March 29.
The MSCC previously ordered airlines to move their turboprops from the gateway to free up slots for bigger aircraft that can carry more passengers, maximizing NAIA’s limited space.
Turboprops are smaller aircraft that can accommodate fewer than 100 passengers, and are primarily used to serve island destinations where airports have limited runway space.
In compliance with the mandated transfer, PAL will move its operations to alternative hubs in Cebu, Clark, and Iloilo.
Clark International Airport will now handle PAL’s previous flight schedule between Manila and Busuanga (Coron) and Siargao.
Mactan-Cebu International Airport will operate the Catarman route while Iloilo International Airport will carry flights to Antique.
PAL said existing bookings for these flights will automatically transfer to the regional airports, though passengers may request a different arrangement.
The airline said passengers may rebook their tickets within 60 days of the original flight date, convert them into travel credits for future purchases, or opt for a full refund, minus the ticketing service charge.
With the transfer of turboprops, demand in secondary gateways is expected to increase as Filipinos take advantage of expanded connectivity.
Last month, Clark airport operator Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD) said it expects passenger volume to continue expanding this year as it receives more turboprops.
Clark International Airport served a total of 2.75 million passengers in 2025, up 14 percent from the 2.4 million recorded in 2024.
Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific earlier announced that it will transfer its remaining turboprop flights to Coron and Naga to Clark by March 29.
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