News
Airlines in the Philippines reducing flights to China
October 3rd 2024
Weak bookings attributed to geopolitical tensions and a regulatory ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) has forced carriers based in the Philippines to cut back their Mainland networks, The Philippine Star reports. Read More » In an advisory note, Cebu Pacific confirmed Manila-Beijing remains suspended until further notice. The LCC has not resumed the route post-pandemic but planned to reinstate a schedule between the two cities had conditions been better. “Cebu Pacific advises flights between Manila and Beijing will be suspended until further notice. As such, flights 5J 672 and 5J 673 between Manila and Beijing are canceled,” Cebu Pacific said. Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer, Alexander Lao, said the airline has re-deployed aircraft previously earmarked for China flights to high demand destinations elsewhere in its network. Philippine Airlines (PAL) also is reducing frequency to China in response to declining demand. PAL executive vice president and general counsel, Carlos Luis Fernandez, said Manila services to China are being reduced as bookings are weak. The flag carrier only will fly to Hong Kong, Jinjiang, Shanghai, and Xiamen in the months ahead. “PAL’s decision to reduce flights to China aligns with a broader trend. The Chinese market has been slower to recover post pandemic compared with other regions. Region-wide, many airlines also have reduced schedules to China due to weak demand,” Fernandez told The Star.
