The maiden flight of Cebu-Catarman route by the Philippine Airlines at the Catarman Airport on March 4, 2025. The flag carrier’s new air route will bring more economic opportunities to Northern Samar province, according to local officials. (Photo courtesy of Northern Samar provincial government)
TACLOBAN CITY – The new Cebu-Catarman route of flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) will bring more economic opportunities to Northern Samar province, local officials said on Monday.
Launched on March 4, flights from Cebu to Catarman are every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, leaving Mactan International Airport at 9:50 a.m. and arriving in Catarman at 10:55 a.m. The aircraft departs Northern Samar at 11:25 a.m. and lands in Cebu after an hour.
“With the increased accessibility, we can attract more tourists, create more jobs, and stimulate economic development,” Catarman town Mayor Francisco Aurelio Rosales III said in a statement.
In a phone interview, Department of Tourism (DOT) assistant regional director Boris Pascubillo said this enhanced connectivity will help increase tourism arrivals, bringing the region a step closer to being a top-of-mind destination for both domestic and international travelers.
“This milestone not just marks a new flight path but also the vital connection that links Northern Samar’s diverse towns and vibrant communities to greater opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange,” Pascubillo added.
Vice-Governor Clarence Dato expressed the provincial government’s gratitude to PAL and partners for making it possible now to reach Northern Samar destinations with more ease.
“More than ever, this poses a challenge for the province to continue its effort of laying the foundations well, thriving in the economic and tourism map through enhanced infrastructures for the delicate taste of the tourism sector,” he said.
PAL regional head of sales, Leonard Bryan Sansolis, noted that connecting the province to Cebu provides air travelers the opportunity not only to reach the province but also other domestic and international destinations.
“This is not just about connecting Catarman to Cebu but opening a world of possibility for the people of Northern Samar. From Cebu you can seamlessly connect to other popular destinations such as Boracay, Clark, Coron, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Siargao, and Manila, complementing our days of operations there,” he said during the event.
Aside from the new Cebu-Catarman flights, PAL is also servicing the province with a Manila-Catarman flight every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. (PNA)