Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced Tuesday that its direct flights from Cebu to Osaka were successfully relaunched on Sunday. The first PR410 flight departed Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) at noon.

At a send-off ceremony at MCIA, PAL, along with local officials and aviation stakeholders, marked the return of the flight.

PAL will operate three weekly flights using a 199-seat Airbus A321ceo with Business Class and Economy cabins from Cebu to Kansai International Airport in Osaka. Starting 26 February 2025, the airline will increase the frequency to four weekly flights.

"We are excited to serve the Cebu-Osaka market again, offering more convenient direct access to Osaka and the western regions of Japan for leisure and business travelers from Cebu and central Philippines," said PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Captain Stanley K. Ng. "We look forward to welcoming travelers on board our nonstop flights with PAL’s distinctly Filipino brand of service."

Meanwhile, Aboitiz InfraCapital GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation Chief Executive Officer Athanasios Titonis expressed enthusiasm about the route’s return and its role in strengthening international connections for Cebu.

"Our dedication to repairing and bolstering MCIA's global network is demonstrated by the return of Philippine Airlines' [Osaka] Kansai flights. This accomplishment underlines our goal to establish MCIA as a premier gateway that provides travelers with easy travel alternatives and links Cebu to important international locations," Titonis said.

Titonis further emphasized how important airline alliances are to realizing MCIA's mission. "As we collaborate to revitalize travel, promote cultural exchange, and propel economic growth for Cebu and the region, we sincerely appreciate our partnership with Philippine Airlines and other airline partners," he added.

In addition to being the entry point to Nara, Kobe, and other well-known neighborhoods surrounding the Kansai Bay area, Osaka is also known for its thriving shopping areas, rich history, culture, and cuisine. The legendary Osaka Castle, the retail and dining destinations of Dotonbori, and Universal Studios Japan are all located in Osaka City.

As PAL further promotes Cebu as the best starting point for travel to popular vacation and business destinations in the Visayas and Mindanao, the service will support the local tourism sector.

Travelers from Osaka and the Kansai area will be encouraged by PAL to easily connect in Mactan.

The relaunched Cebu-Osaka services complement PAL’s twice-daily regular flights between Manila and Osaka Kansai.

PAL has the largest network of flights on multiple routes linking the Philippines and Japan, with nonstop daily flights from Cebu to Tokyo Narita, along with 56 weekly flights from Manila to Nagoya, Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda, and Fukuoka.

Flight Schedules for the New Cebu-Osaka Service

From 22 December 2024 until 24 February 2025:

• PR 410 Cebu-Osaka: Every Monday, Thursday, and Sunday, departing Mactan-Cebu at 11:45 AM, arriving in Osaka Kansai at 5:00 PM.

• PR 409 Osaka-Cebu: Every Monday, Thursday, and Sunday, departing Osaka Kansai at 6:00 PM, arriving in Mactan-Cebu at 9:40 PM.

From 26 February 2025:

• PR 410 Cebu-Osaka: Every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, departing Mactan-Cebu at 11:45 AM, arriving in Osaka Kansai at 5:00 PM.

• PR 409 Osaka-Cebu: Every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, departing Osaka Kansai at 6:00 PM, arriving in Mactan-Cebu at 9:40 PM.

The flag carrier also offers other international links from Cebu, with daily flights to Seoul (Incheon) and three weekly flights to Bangkok.