Philippine Airlines (PAL) launched its new Manila-Cauayan-Manila route on Wednesday, with the first flight departing Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) at 1:25 p.m. The 86-seater De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft, carrying flight PR2018, is expected to land at Cauayan Airport at 2:30 p.m.
The send-off ceremony at NAIA Terminal 2 was attended by local government officials and members of the aviation sector to mark PAL's maiden flight.
The new service offers daily flights to cater to families, business travelers, and tourists. It aims to promote Cauayan as a gateway to Isabela province, known for its festivals such as the Bambanti and Gawagaway-yan celebrations. The flight reduces the travel time from Manila to Cauayan, replacing a more than 10-hour land trip.
"To better serve the people of Isabela province, we are happy to launch our new Manila-Cauayan-Manila route," said PAL Express President Rabbi Vincent Ang. "We are proud to be part of Northern Luzon's economic success story and look forward to supporting tourism, business expansion, and improved connectivity."
Cauayan City Mayor Caesar "Jaycee" Dy Jr. expressed optimism that the new route will stimulate economic growth in the city and province.
PAL’s new Manila-Cauayan-Manila service schedule:
PR 2018 Manila-Cauayan: Daily, departs Manila at 1:25 p.m., arrives in Cauayan at 2:30 p.m.
PR 2019 Cauayan-Manila: Daily, departs Cauayan at 3:25 p.m., arrives in Manila at 4:40 p.m.