PAL to mount Laoag-Cebu special flights

Published on: May 05, 2023By Kenneth Dhovan Natividad

In time for the month-long celebration of Ilocos Norte's provincial fiesta, Philippine Airlines (PAL) will offer Laoag-Cebu special flights on May 12 and 15 as a promotion of the regular scheduling of the route at the Laoag International Airport (LIA).

The support of Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc and the joint efforts of Metro Ilocos Norte Council and the Provincial Tourism Office (INTO) have made the partnership with PAL possible.

Along with the resumption of Cebu Pacific's operation of its Manila-Laoag flights at LIA, the partnership marks another step to strengthen the province's economy by sustaining Ilocos Norte's travel and tourism industry. 

With the scheduled special flights at LIA, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) anticipates more visitors to experience the “Himala sa Buhangin!,” a music and arts festival set on the Paoay Sand Dunes and one of the highlights of the fiesta celebration.

Moreover, Gov. Marcos Manotoc expressed his anticipation for more airlines to start flights at LIA, saying:

"We hope that more airlines will follow suit as we continue to work together to revitalize our economy and bring back the vibrancy of Ilocos Norte's tourism sector."

Earlier, INTO coordinated with tourism-oriented agencies in Cebu province, including local government units for initial planning. It also invited local officials and key employees to attend the Himala! and the inauguration of the special flights.

Through successful collaboration with transportation companies such as Cebu Pacific and PAL, Ilocos Norte is expected to carve its place as one of the premier destinations in the country.