Philippine Airlines (PAL) is set to launch a new direct route between Cebu and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), marking the first nonstop service linking Central Visayas and Vietnam’s primary economic and commercial hub. The new route, which will begin on 2 May 2025, aims to cater to the growing demand for travel between the two regions, with three weekly flights initially planned.
The announcement is part of PAL’s broader strategy to enhance its presence in Southeast Asia, particularly with neighboring Vietnam, a key market for Filipino travelers. In 2024, nearly 216,000 Filipinos visited Vietnam, ranking it as the 9th most popular destination among Filipinos. The Cebu-HCMC route is expected to provide an efficient travel option for both tourism and business between the Philippines and Vietnam.
“Expanding Philippine Airlines’ footprint in Vietnam is a significant step for us, as we connect more Filipinos with Vietnam’s economic heart while offering Vietnamese travelers a seamless connection to Cebu,” said PAL president and chief operating officer Captain Stanley K. Ng. “This route enhances Cebu’s position as the country’s emerging business and leisure gateway, and we are excited to bring Vietnamese tourists and businesspeople closer to the beautiful islands of the Philippines.”
In addition to the Cebu-HCMC route, PAL is increasing its Manila-Hanoi service to a daily frequency starting 1 April 2025, providing greater connectivity to Vietnam’s capital.
The new flights will be operated by Airbus A321 aircraft, offering 199 seats in both Business and Economy Class. This expansion builds upon the existing eight weekly flights between Manila and Ho Chi Minh City, reinforcing PAL’s commitment to strengthening the Philippine-Vietnam travel corridor.
This strategic move reflects PAL’s continued efforts to capitalize on ASEAN connectivity, boosting tourism, and fostering stronger ties between the Philippines and Vietnam.
