Cebu-Quanzhou flights resume

CEBU, Philippines — Direct flights from Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to Quanzhou, China have resumed after years of disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The reopening was highlighted by the arrival of Xiamen Airlines Flight MF8695 from Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport at the MCIA on Sunday, March 29.

The returning route, first launched in 2017, was suspended at the height of the pandemic as global travel restrictions halted international mobility and dampened passenger demand.

MCIA Authority General Manager Julius G. Neri Jr. said the reopening was expected, recalling that prior to the pandemic, Cebu handled as many as eight daily flights from various destinations in China.

“This is not surprising because way back in 2019, we had as many as eight flights a day from different destinations in China,” said Neri.

He added that while the pandemic disrupted operations, the foundation of cooperation remained intact.

“It took a pandemic to shut everything down and it took awhile for us to begin to reopen this path of cooperation, camaraderie, friendship and mutual wishes for prosperity and peace,” he said.

Neri stressed that the route’s viability is not in question, pointing out that it had previously proven sustainable.

“The viability of the route is not in question—we’ve done it before. It’s a matter of how we grow it back to how it was six years ago,” he added.

He assured that MCIA is committed to supporting the route’s growth by extending Cebuano hospitality and improving passenger experience, particularly for travelers from Fujian province.

Chinese Consul General Zhang Zhen, for her part, described the restored connection as more than just a transport link.

“It is not just a flight path, it is a bridge of friendship and shared history,” Zhang said during the ceremony.

She highlighted Quanzhou as a historic hub of maritime trade and cultural exchange, underscoring its role in linking China with Southeast Asia.

“This direct flight brings real benefits. It means more tourists, more trade, more opportunities,” Zhang added.

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro likewise emphasized the broader significance of the resumed flights, calling it a renewal of partnerships rather than simply the launch of a route.

“Today is historic, not simply because we are launching a new route, but because this marks the renewal of our partnership and the opening of a new chapter between China and Cebu,” Baricuatro said.

She noted that the initiative builds on earlier engagements, including her official visit to Fujian province in February, where discussions centered on strengthening tourism, trade, and connectivity.

“With this renewed route, we continue that legacy in opening our doors wider to the world and strengthening our ties with our friends in Quanzhou and across China,” she said.

The governor added that Cebu’s position as a gateway for commerce and culture makes it well-placed to benefit from increased international connectivity.

She also underscored that the initiative goes beyond boosting visitor arrivals, aiming to foster deeper exchanges in culture, ideas, and economic opportunities.

The inaugural flight was honored with a water cannon salute, with officials receiving arriving passengers and seeing off departing travelers. Among those present were representatives from Xiamen Airlines, national and local officials, and members of the provincial board.

The restored Cebu–Quanzhou route will operate twice weekly, every Tuesday and Saturday, offering more options for travelers and businesses seeking to reconnect.

Authorities noted that travel is expected to become more accessible with the implementation of a 14-day visa-free entry policy for Chinese tourists, a move seen to further stimulate inbound tourism.

The resumption comes amid rising travel demand and is expected to help revive industries affected by the pandemic, particularly tourism and small and medium enterprises.

Xiamen Airlines has also committed to ensuring seamless travel and expanding its network, signaling plans to further strengthen China–Philippines connectivity.

The Cebu–Quanzhou connection had previously been discontinued due to low passenger demand, operational adjustments, and the widespread impact of the pandemic on global travel. — (FREEMAN)