Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific will resume weekly flights from Iloilo to Bangkok and Singapore starting November, as it looks to capture strong holiday demand amid improving conditions in the aviation sector.

In an advisory on Tuesday, Aug. 18, Cebu Pacific said it will reinstate Iloilo-Bangkok and Iloilo-Singapore flights on Nov. 23 following a temporary suspension linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

The upcoming services will operate thrice a week to Bangkok and Singapore, with flights every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Return flights to Iloilo are scheduled for Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Cebu Pacific said restoring direct connectivity between Iloilo and the two popular tourist destinations provides travelers in Western Visayas with a more accessible option than traveling to other airports.

The resumption of the flights provides Ilonggos with access to the bustling night markets and famous temples of Bangkok, as well as the iconic attractions and shopping destinations in Singapore.

For travelers from Bangkok and Singapore, the service also paves the way for foreign tourists to explore the historic spots, scenic beaches, and unforgettable food experiences in Iloilo.

To promote the flights, Cebu Pacific is offering a seat sale for as low as ₱199 for a one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges, until Aug. 31.

Cebu Pacific earlier suspended flights between Iloilo and Bangkok and Singapore, alongside several other flights, in response to the dramatic increase in jet fuel prices.

The carrier reported that it incurred a net loss of ₱5.87 billion in the first half, as expenses rose by nearly a quarter, mainly due to higher jet fuel prices.

Still, Cebu Pacific remains optimistic about a stronger second half as passenger demand continues to grow, with total passenger volume surging by more than four percent to 16.72 million in the seven months to July.

The domestic segment expanded by 5.5 percent to nearly 12.6 million passengers in the first seven months, while international traffic edged up by one percent to 4.12 million.

Cebu Pacific President and Chief Commercial Officer Alexander Lao said the muted growth in international passenger demand was aligned with the airline’s capacity reductions, including the Iloilo-Bangkok and Iloilo-Singapore flights.

“As we look toward the fourth quarter, we will be launching new flights across our network including key destinations in China, Vietnam and Japan to further strengthen connectivity while providing passengers with more convenient and affordable options,” he said.

Cebu Pacific is set to revive direct flights between Manila and Xiamen on Nov. 23, as it looks to rebuild its presence in China. In line with this, the carrier is also launching flights between Cebu and Shanghai starting Nov. 17.

It will also launch direct flights from Cebu to Nagoya and Ho Chi Minh in the fourth quarter of the year. Likewise, Cebu Pacific is reinstating flights between Clark and Hanoi.

With an industry-leading fleet of 102 aircraft, Cebu Pacific can reach 35 destinations in the archipelago and 26 cities across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the average price of jet fuel in the global market was $158.91 per barrel as of Aug. 14.

While higher than last year’s average levels, the current price is significantly lower than the more than $200 per barrel recorded in April or during the peak of the Middle East conflict. The decline in fuel prices has allowed airlines to resume suspended flights and expand their networks.