Cebu Pacific is launching a new route from Manila to Chiang Mai, Thailand, with a special ‘Piso Sale’ promotion. Starting October 29, 2024, the airline will operate flights to Chiang Mai three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with return flights on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Travelers can book flights for as low as P1 one-way, exclusive of fees and surcharges, for travel between October 29, 2024, and March 30, 2025.
This new route adds to Cebu Pacific’s existing destinations in Thailand and is expected to attract Filipino travelers to explore attractions like Doi Inthanon National Park, Mae Rim District, and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
Simultaneously, Cebu Pacific announced a reduction in its flight frequencies to China due to lower demand and geopolitical concerns. The airline will cut its flights to and from China, including cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Xiamen, starting in October. Currently, flights to Beijing have not resumed.
Cebu Pacific President Xander Lao noted the decreased demand for China flights and emphasized the strategic shift to focus on secondary cities in Southeast Asia. The success of the Da Nang, Vietnam route has encouraged this move, with the airline optimistic about surpassing its growth target of 24 million passengers for 2024.
The airline is also looking forward to the privatization and improvements at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), which are expected to enhance the travel sector in the Philippines. Cebu Pacific is in discussions with the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation regarding the airline’s growth plans and the potential impact of new airport fees on its fares.
In a major move for expansion, Cebu Pacific recently announced an order for 152 aircraft from Airbus worth over P1 trillion, marking the largest aircraft purchase in Philippine aviation history.
