CHINA TO OPEN FUJIAN-CEBU DIRECT FLIGHTS IN MARCH

China is preparing to launch direct commercial flights between Fujian province and Cebu by March, according to initial information from aviation and tourism channels monitoring new routes. The planned service is expected to link Xiamen or another major Fujian city with Mactan-Cebu International Airport, though specific airline operators have yet to be formally announced. Early indications suggest the route will be marketed to both leisure and business travelers, tapping into existing demand between the central Philippines and coastal China. As of now, there are no confirmed details on flight frequencies, final schedules, or introductory fares.

Based on preliminary reports, the move is aligned with China’s broader push to expand outbound travel options in Asia as more carriers restore or add routes after earlier pandemic-era disruptions. Cebu, which has positioned itself as a tourism and investment hub outside Metro Manila, has been actively courting more international connections to diversify visitor arrivals. Fujian, on the other hand, is regarded as a key coastal province with long-standing maritime and cultural links to Southeast Asia, including historic ties with Filipino-Chinese communities. Industry observers say the new connection could complement existing China-Philippines routes that currently concentrate on Manila and, to a lesser extent, Kalibo and Clark.

Local tourism stakeholders in Cebu are closely watching the development, viewing it as a potential boost for hotels, resorts, and related services once the route becomes operational. Travel agencies are expected to design new tour packages around island destinations in Central Visayas, should the flights proceed as planned and achieve stable load factors. Airport authorities are likewise anticipated to coordinate with airline partners on slot allocations, ground handling, and health and security protocols, although no official operational guidelines have been disclosed so far. As of now, there are no confirmed details on whether charter services will accompany the scheduled commercial flights.

For the Philippine side, the planned Fujian-Cebu direct link could help support broader efforts to distribute foreign arrivals beyond the capital region and ease pressure on Manila’s main gateway. Economic analysts note that improved air connectivity typically encourages trade missions, educational exchanges, and small-scale investment flows, although any concrete impacts will depend on sustained passenger volumes and competitive pricing. Regulators and diplomatic channels are also expected to ensure that all necessary bilateral aviation arrangements