Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has welcomed a new international flight connecting Cebu to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), which launched on 7 April 2025.

This marks the first-ever direct air link between Central Visayas and Vietnam—boosting regional connectivity and fostering stronger economic and cultural ties between the two destinations.

“We are thrilled to welcome Cebu Pacific’s new Cebu–Ho Chi Minh route,” said Athanasios Titonis, Chief Executive Officer of Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (AICAC), the operator of MCIA. “This milestone underscores MCIA’s commitment to expanding our international network and solidifying Cebu’s position as a key hub in Southeast Asia. We look forward to strengthening ties between the Philippines and Vietnam through enhanced air connectivity.”

The new service will operate three times a week, with flights departing Cebu every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This schedule provides convenient options for both business and leisure travelers. To celebrate the launch, Cebu Pacific is offering promotional fares, including its popular Piso Sale, making travel more accessible to a wider audience.

MCIA Chief Airline Marketing Officer Mark Souter highlighted the initiative, stating, “This new route is a testament to the increasing demand for international travel from Cebu. The addition of Ho Chi Minh City to our network opens new opportunities for tourism, trade, and investment, benefiting both destinations.”

Senior Manager for Airline Marketing and Tourism Development Rodante Ponio Jr. added, “With the launch of this direct service, we expect to see a surge in Vietnamese visitors exploring the natural beauty and cultural richness of Cebu and the entire Visayas region. Likewise, Filipino travelers now have a more convenient way to experience the vibrant and historic city of Ho Chi Minh.”

Travelers can look forward to discovering Ho Chi Minh City’s rich history, vibrant culture, and world-renowned cuisine. Meanwhile, Vietnamese tourists will find Cebu and the Central Visayas region offering pristine beaches, top-rated dive sites, and unique cultural experiences.

The new route reinforces MCIA’s vision of positioning Cebu as the primary tourism gateway in the Philippines. By directly connecting Cebu to Ho Chi Minh City, MCIA enhances global accessibility—attracting more tourists, investors, and businesses to the region.

This initiative supports Cebu’s growing reputation as a top destination, offering world-class hospitality, immersive cultural experiences, and seamless travel connections that affirm its role as the heart of Philippine tourism.