The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed Air China’s inaugural Chongqing-Manila (CKG-MNL) flight on May 2, signaling a major boost for the Philippines’ tourism recovery.
The new direct connection comes alongside the recently restored visa-free entry for Chinese tourists through Manila and Cebu, making travel simpler and more appealing.
Together, these moves are expected to help the country regain lost ground in one of its most important tourism markets.
The first flight arrived shortly after midnight carrying at least 155 passengers, greeted by DOT officials, while the return leg departed with 145 travelers—an early sign of balanced demand.
Beyond improving connectivity, the route is projected to stimulate the economy, driving higher hotel occupancy, increased retail spending, and more jobs in tourism-related sectors.
As one of China’s largest metropolitan hubs, Chongqing offers significant potential for Philippine destinations seeking new visitors.
Air China already links Beijing and Chengdu to Manila, providing more than 130 direct flights and nearly 34,000 seats in the first quarter of 2026. With 150,708 Chinese visitors recorded as of April 30, the market shows strong recovery potential as connectivity expands.
