Manila: Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced on Wednesday the launch of direct services between Cebu and Calbayog, Samar, starting Oct. 26. These flights would operate four times weekly every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the launch of the Cebu-Calbayog route is a milestone in PAL's mission to empower regional gateways like Cebu. PAL Express president Rabbi Vincent Ang stated that the Tan-led carrier is investing in Cebu as a strategic hub to help drive tourism and economic growth across the region.

Meanwhile, PAL is also ramping up frequencies of flights to and from Siargao and Busuanga (Coron) via Cebu to thrice daily. In addition to this, PAL is increasing operations to several routes via Cebu, including Bacolod from 14 to 18 flights weekly, Butuan from 7 to 11 flights weekly, Cotabato from two to three flights weekly, Ozamiz from three to four flights weekly, and Tacloban from 11 to 14 flights weekly.

"These enhancements reflect PAL's commitment to boosting connectivity and positioning Cebu as a true gateway to the Visayas, Mindanao, and beyond," the airline noted in its news release. PAL also operates flights to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Seoul (Incheon), Tokyo (Narita), and Osaka from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.