By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan
Cebu Pacific will soon offer a direct flight from Iloilo to Bangkok, expanding Iloilo’s international connectivity to Southeast Asia.
The airline announced on Feb. 12, 2025, that it will launch flights between Iloilo International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok starting March 31, 2025.
Flights will operate three times a week—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
To celebrate the new route, Cebu Pacific launched a ₱1 base fare seat sale, exclusive of fees and surcharges, running until Feb. 16.
Xander Lao, Cebu Pacific’s President and Chief Commercial Officer, said the new route strengthens Iloilo’s position as a key regional hub.
“We are thrilled to offer more travelers the opportunity to explore the majestic city of Bangkok. Strengthening our Iloilo hub allows us to connect even more passengers from the Western Visayas region to exciting destinations across our international network,” Lao said.
The new flight is expected to benefit tourists traveling to Thailand, which remains one of the top destinations for Filipinos.
According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), 406,063 Filipino residents traveled to Thailand in 2024, making it the seventh most popular international destination.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas welcomed the new route, calling it a major boost for tourism and economic growth.
“This new route strengthens Iloilo’s position as a key gateway, making international travel more accessible for Ilonggos while inviting more visitors to experience our vibrant city,” Treñas said.
“Cebu Pacific’s continued investment in Iloilo proves our city’s growing potential. With direct flights now connecting us to Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Singapore, Iloilo is truly going global,” he added.
The Iloilo-Bangkok route is the third international destination from Iloilo, following the resumption of Singapore and Hong Kong flights by Cebu Pacific in late 2024.
This is also the fourth international route announced for Iloilo, after Singapore-based airline Scoot revealed plans to start Iloilo-Singapore flights in April 2025.
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Area Manager Eusebio Monserate Jr. hinted at a new Asian route from Iloilo in an interview with Daily Guardian on Feb. 7.
