PAL to resume Boracay flights

Aviation Updates Philippines – On Tuesday, national flag carrier Philippine Airlines said it is now "all set" to resume flights to Boracay via Caticlan Airport in Aklan as the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) reopens the island to tourists on October 1, 2020.

PAL plans to operate a one-off flight to Boracay on Thursday via 2P-2041, which departs from Manila at 11:10 am and arrives in Caticlan at 12:10 pm. The return flight leaves 45 minutes later as 2P-2042 and arrives back in Manila at 1:55 pm.

After which, the regular twice-weekly flight starts on October 4, 2020, at the same schedule. The flag carrier will be operating Manila-Caticlan-Manila flights every Friday and Sunday on-board the airline's 86-seat De Havilland Dash 8-400 propjet aircraft.

"Our Caticlan flights are here to support the Department of Tourism's vision to reopen Boracay island and other tourist destinations around the country," PAL said in a statement on Tuesday.

"PAL, DOT and travel industry stakeholders are working together to support jobs and livelihoods by rejuvenating domestic tourism."

The government has recently announced it would now allow tourists to travel to Boracay from areas under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) and general community quarantine (GCQ) beginning Thursday.

For Boracay-bound guests, travelers must present a COVID-negative result from an RT-PCR test taken not earlier than 48 hours prior to the date of travel. PAL said the point of entry for airplane passengers would only be limited to Caticlan Airport.

PAL "assures" its passengers of safety aboard its flights with comprehensive health protocols and measures in place throughout the journey. Wearing face masks and social distancing protocols will be strictly enforced.