07/10/2025
Cebu Strengthens Gateway Role with Launch of PAL’s Direct Flights to Guam
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — October 7, 2025 — Cebu’s position as a major regional gateway received a boost as Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced the launch of direct Cebu–Guam flights starting December 16, 2025, restoring the only nonstop link between the two island destinations.
The thrice-weekly service, operating every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, was unveiled at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in a ceremony attended by officials from both the Philippines and Guam, including Guam Lieutenant Governor Joshua Tenorio, PAL Head of Philippine Sales Bryan Ang, Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation CEO Athanasios Titonis, MCIAA General Manager and CEO Julius Neri, Jr., and Guam Visitors Bureau President and CEO Regine Biscoe Lee.
“Cebu is not just a destination — it’s a gateway to the Philippines and the rest of Asia,” said MCIAA’s Julius Neri, Jr. “Everything travelers need is here — beaches, business, and culture, all within easy reach. At MCIA, we take pride in offering one of the best connecting experiences in the country — hassle-free, comfortable, and seamless from start to finish.”
PAL’s Bryan Ang said the new service strengthens Cebu’s global reach. “This new route reinforces Cebu’s position as a strategic international hub and gives Guam’s Filipino community, as well as travelers from the U.S. Pacific, a more convenient way to reach the Visayas and Mindanao,” he said.
Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio hailed the development as a milestone for both economies. “The Philippines and Guam share so much — from our history and culture to our warm hospitality. This route brings our islands even closer,” he said.
“We see this as an economic moment as well,” he added. “Filipinos — especially Cebuanos — have long been an integral part of Guam’s workforce and business community. Having a direct flight from Cebu gives them another convenient option to travel, visit family, or explore new opportunities. It’s a bridge that benefits everyone.”
Aboitiz InfraCapital’s Titonis said the route reopens Cebu’s direct link to the U.S. Pacific. “We are delighted to bring back direct flights to the United States with the Cebu–Guam route. It makes island-to-island travel faster and strengthens Cebu’s role as a key hub for tourism and business exchange,” he said.
Guam Visitors Bureau President Regine Biscoe Lee added, “Cebu and Guam are natural partners — we share proximity, hospitality, and cultural warmth. This route opens the door for more Guamanians to explore the Philippines while inviting Cebuanos to discover Guam’s island experience.”
The Cebu–Guam route will use Airbus A321ceo aircraft, departing Cebu at 9:40 p.m. and arriving in Guam at 3:25 a.m., with return flights leaving Guam at 5:15 a.m. and arriving in Cebu at 6:50 a.m.
The service expands PAL’s growing international network from Cebu, which already includes Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam. Guam — where nearly 30% of the 179,000 residents are of Filipino descent — adds to PAL’s U.S. destinations such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Seattle, and Honolulu.
As Cebu continues to emerge as the country’s central travel hub, the new PAL service underscores the island’s expanding connectivity — linking local communities with Pacific neighbors and opening new opportunities for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. | via Shadne Genterone