Increase in Japanese Arrivals Seen with New Direct Cebu- Japan Flights

The private managers of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) said more Japanese arrivals are expected at the country’s second busiest airport this year after the launching of more direct flights between Cebu and Japan.

GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Inc. (GMCAC), the private company managing the MCIA, said the increase in flight frequencies will make the Japanese market the next big tourism opportunity for central and southern Philippines.

“Japan is an important market for Cebu and the rest of the country. The entry of new flights to Cebu makes us more attractive as a destination especially for Japanese tourists who are fascinated with Cebu’s unique blend as a business and leisure destination,” said GMCAC chief executive adviser Andrew Harrison in a statement.

Japan is Cebu’s second biggest tourist source market after Korea.

The MCIA is connected to three destinations in Japan, namely, Nagoya, Osaka and Narita.

GMCAC said Cebu’s connection to Japan recently got a boost following the entry of Vanilla Air Inc.

Vanilla Air Inc., a company owned by ANA Holdings Inc., launched on Dec. 25 its daily direct flights from Narita to Cebu, making it the fifth international destination in the airline’s route network.

It is the first Japanese airline to fly direct from Narita to Cebu.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) said one of the most important accomplishments of the Philippine delegation during President Rodrigo Duterte’s visit to Japan last October was clinching the deal with Vanilla Air to mount direct flights between Tokyo (Narita) and Cebu.

Harrison also said GMCAC is focused on developing more international connectivity as the opening of a new airport terminal set in June 2018 draws closer.

MCIA’s Terminal 2 (T2), which is under construction, will boost the airport’s passenger carrying capacity to 15 million passengers a year from the current 4.5 million passengers.

MCIA currently serves a total of 14 international destinations and 26 domestic destinations with 19 partner airlines. (PNA)FPV/EB/EDS