Qatar Airways Flight Relaunch in Cebu Starts with Water Salute

State-owned flag carrier Qatar Airways relaunches the direct “Cebu-Doha” flight to offer direct connection between the 2 cities.

“We are delighted to be launching a new direct service to Cebu, offering our passengers another gateway into the Philippines. Being the airline that has never stopped flying since COVID-19 hit, it has been Qatar Airways’ mission to take people home safely during the pandemic, and we have helped more than two million people get home to their loved ones since February,” said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker in a statement.

The Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) along with GMR MEGAWIDE Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) welcomed the plane with a water cannon salute.

“Despite the challenges we have encountered at the start of the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the relaunching of Qatar Airways’ Cebu-Doha route gives us hope to push forward and remain resilient through these tough times,” said Atty. Steve Dicdican, MCIAA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer.

Starting July 24, Qatar Airways’ 354-seater Boeing 777-300 will ply the said route every Sunday, Tuesday and Friday.

To break it down, the aircraft has 312 economy class seats and 42 business class seats.

“The relaunching of the Doha service allows us to adhere to our commitment of offering more connectivity to the rest of the world,” said Andrew Acquuah-Harrison, GMCAC Chief Executive Advisor, MCIA’s private operator.

Qatar Airways has over 40 connection to Middle East, Africa and Europe. People from Guangzhoi and Cebu will also be able to enjoy the “best airline in the world”. (MLC)