The country’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines (PAL), has launched its first direct flight from the Puerto Princesa International Airport to Incheon, South Korea, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced yesterday.

“This is a historic occasion in line with the government’s promise to lure more international tourists to come to Puerto Princesa,” CAAP director general Capt. Jim Sydiongco said in a statement.

Sydiongco, however, clarified these PAL flights would be initially available from June 23 to October 27.

The airline company will use an A321 type single-aisle aircraft that could accommodate up to 199 passengers and 12 tons of cargo.

It will depart regularly from Puerto Princesa by 5 a.m. and arrive in Incheon by 6:30 a.m. Meanwhile, its turnaround flight will depart from Incheon at 8:25 a.m. and arrive in Puerto Princesa at 12:05 p.m. daily.

With the launch of these direct flights, more tourists will now be able to access and fly directly to Puerto Princesa, a favorite destination known for its famous white sand beaches.

Puerto Princesa International Airport was inaugurated on May 3, 2017. It has a seating capacity of 1,500 passengers and can accommodate two wide-body and four small aircraft at once.

Last year, the airport served a total of 1,790,115 passengers — 1,767,157 domestic and 22,958 international passengers.