Department of Tourism (DOT) New Route Development Chief Erwin A. Balane said their office are now looking to open 4 new routes from Cebu to Singapore, Thailand, Beijing and Chengdou, China (CDN PHOTO/MOREXETTE ERRAM).
TEN more flights from Cebu to international destinations will be available before the year ends, the regional Department of Tourism (DOT) said Wednesday.
During the launching of AirAsia’s Cebu to Taipei route at SM City Cebu Erwin Balane, head of DOT’s New Route Development, said the routes will include Cebu to Singapore, Cebu to Chengdou, and Cebu to Thailand.
“There is substantial volume of demand (for international flights) here in Cebu. We advised airline companies to expand their hubs to increase revenues,” Balane said.
He also told reporters that two airline operators are observing air traffic and the status of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), which is a prerequisite in proposing to open up a new aircraft route in the Philippines.
Philippines AirAsia CEO Captain Dexter Comendador also said they are asking President Rodrigo Duterte to modernize airports around the country to expand the hubs of airline companies and open up more international – bound flights.
“Modernized airports will accommodate bigger airplanes which in turn will bring in more tourists,” Comendador said.