Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ budget carrier, is set to begin direct flights between Manila and Sapporo, Japan’s popular winter destination in Hokkaido. Starting November 7, flights will be available every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, cutting travel time to around five hours from the usual 10-hour journey that requires connecting flights.
Xander Lao, Cebu Pacific’s president and chief commercial officer, highlighted in a Rappler report the importance of this new route, stating, “We are excited to be the only airline offering non-stop flights between Manila and Sapporo, fulfilling our commitment to expand our international network and make air travel more accessible.”
This route marks Cebu Pacific’s fifth destination in Japan, complementing its current services to Fukuoka, Nagoya, Osaka, and Tokyo. The move is expected to attract more Filipino tourists drawn to Sapporo’s renowned winter festivals and skiing experiences. The city, famous for hosting the 1972 Winter Olympics, also showcases vibrant summer attractions, such as lavender fields that bloom between June and August.
