Ilocos Norte welcomes Cebu-Laoag maiden flight

The Province of Ilocos Norte welcomed the maiden flight of Philippine Airlines' new Cebu-Laoag route, connecting the urban hub of Cebu and Laoag City this morning, December 15.

This initiative led by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) aims to bolster the existing connection between Cebu and Ilocos Norte provinces, enhancing tourism, business, and leisure travel opportunities while allowing travelers to fully immerse themselves in the diverse attractions offered by both provinces.

Earlier this week, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, together with the Tourism Office of PGIN, partnered with PAL and Cebu officials to formally announce the inauguration of direct flights along the Cebu-Laoag (vice versa) route during a press briefing held in Mandaue City, Cebu on December 11.

In 2013, Cebu and Ilocos Norte entered into a sisterhood agreement, seeking to reinforce their ties through proactive collaborations in tourism, agriculture, renewable energy, and potential investment opportunities.

PAL previously announced that the new domestic route will operate twice weekly with morning departures. Flight PR 2251 will leave Cebu for Laoag every Tuesday and Friday at 7:35 a.m., arriving at 10:05 a.m., while PR 2252 will depart from Laoag on the same days at 10:25 a.m., reaching its destination by 12:35 p.m.

Gov. Marcos Manotoc warmly greeted the visitors from PAL and Cebu, expressing, "I’m so glad to see you this morning, we have truly made history. We’re on the first commercial flight from Cebu to Laoag, which is mentioned in Cebu. We are very excited because we are opening up our province, our small, humble province of Ilocos Norte, to the central and southern Philippines.”

“We are grateful to Philippine Airlines for this partnership, and we know that both of us will do everything we can to make sure this route is not only sustainable but also accessible for the benefit of both provinces of Cebu and Ilocos Norte.”

Through this partnership, the province of Ilocos Norte achieved another breakthrough and has opened its borders for visitors to experience and enjoy an array of tourist attractions, scenic views, and other hidden gems. Moreover, it paved a path for business and leisure travelers in an effort to expand their entrepreneurial pursuits and other potential areas of investment in the province.

To welcome passengers of the inaugural flight, including local officials, tourism stakeholders, and Cebu-based online influencers, PGIN will host the “Mini Himala sa Buhangin! Arts and Music Festival” at the Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.