EVA Air Cebu marks a decade of connecting Visayas to the world

CEBU, Philippines — Taiwan-based carrier EVA Air is celebrating 10 years of operations in Cebu, highlighting its growing role in connecting the Visayas to major destinations around the world.  Over the past decade, the airline has steadily expanded its services while improving the travel experience for its passengers.

“We are here… connecting people, families, and neighbors between the Philippines and the world,” said Cebu Office Chief Deacon Liu. He recalled EVA Air’s very first Cebu–Taipei flight on March 27, 2016—a milestone that marked the airline’s entry into the Visayas and gave travelers from Cebu and nearby provinces direct access to international destinations.

What started as a single route has grown into a wider network in the Philippines. Today, EVA Air operates through three major gateways: Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Clark International Airport, and Mactan-Cebu International Airport. The airline now offers three daily flights from Manila, one daily flight from Clark, and one daily flight from Cebu, giving passengers more choices and flexible schedules.

In Cebu, EVA Air operates flight BR 282, which departs daily for Taipei at 12:15 p.m. The return flight leaves Taiwan at 8:00 a.m. and arrives in Cebu at 10:50 a.m. Taipei serves as a key hub, allowing travelers to easily connect to more than 40 destinations across Asia, North America, and Europe.

As part of its continued expansion, EVA Air is set to launch a new route to Washington, D.C. on June 26, 2026. The service will operate four times a week via Taipei, adding to the airline’s long-haul network that already includes major cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Milan, and Dallas.

The airline has also built a strong reputation for quality. EVA Air has maintained a Skytrax 5-star rating for 10 straight years, showing its commitment to consistent service and passenger comfort. It continues to upgrade its cabins, including the introduction of its fourth-generation Premium Economy class. This cabin offers wider seats, up to 42 inches of legroom on select aircraft, better privacy, and improved in-flight entertainment, giving travelers a more comfortable option between economy and business class.

For a more premium experience, EVA Air offers Royal Laurel Class and Premium Laurel Class. These cabins feature lie-flat beds, direct aisle access, high-quality amenity kits, and carefully prepared meals, making long-haul travel more relaxing and convenient.

The airline is also improving its frequent flyer program, Infinity MileageLands. Members can earn miles not only through EVA Air and UNI Air flights, but also through Star Alliance partners, hotels, credit cards, and other services. These miles can be used for tickets, upgrades, and travel perks, while members also enjoy benefits like lounge access, priority boarding, and extra baggage allowance.

Through its partnerships, including those with U.S.-based airlines, EVA Air connects passengers to more than 30 destinations across the United States. This makes travel smoother and more convenient for passengers flying from Cebu and other parts of the Philippines.

Local officials also recognized the airline’s contribution to tourism and economic activity in the region. Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cynthia Chan said EVA Air has helped strengthen Cebu’s position as an international gateway, linking the island to key destinations across Asia, the United States, and Europe.

Local officials have recognized the airline’s contribution to tourism and the economy. Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cynthia Chan said EVA Air has helped strengthen Cebu’s role as an international gateway, linking the island to key destinations across Asia, the United States, and Europe.

As EVA Air celebrates its 10th year in Cebu, it continues to grow its network, improve its services, and build strong partnerships. With increasing demand for international travel, the airline is helping reinforce Cebu’s position as an important hub in the global aviation network. — (FREEMAN)