Cebu Pacific Launches Direct Manila-Sapporo Flight
Cebu Pacific (CEB) has expanded its international footprint with the launch of its first direct flight from Manila International Airport (MNL) to New Chitose Airport (CTS) in Sapporo, Japan. The inaugural flight took off on January 16, 2025, using the airline’s modern Airbus A320neo aircraft, marking the carrier’s longest narrow-body flight to date with a flight duration of five hours and 10 minutes.
This new thrice-weekly service positions Cebu Pacific as the sole airline offering non-stop connectivity between Manila and Sapporo. The launch not only underscores the carrier’s commitment to enhancing travel options for Philippine passengers but also strengthens its presence in Japan—a key destination in the region. Sapporo, known for its vibrant winter festivals, snow activities, beer culture, and renowned culinary scene, especially in Hokkaido, is poised to attract a growing number of Filipino and international tourists eager to explore Japan’s mountainous northern island.
The flight schedules for the Manila-Sapporo route have been carefully designed to offer convenient timings for both business and leisure travelers. The flight from Manila (5J 5128) departs at 11:15 local time and is scheduled to arrive in Sapporo at 17:25 local time. For the return journey, flight 5J 5129 departs Sapporo at 18:25 local time and arrives back in Manila at 23:20 local time. These schedules not only reduce overall travel time by up to five hours compared to previous connecting flights but also offer significant savings—passengers may save up to 63% on airfare, making the route an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
The launch event was a festive affair held at MNL Airport’s Terminal 3, attended by dignitaries and key officials. Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines, His Excellency Endo Kazuya, along with Philippine Transportation Undersecretary Bobby Lim and Japan National Tourism Office Executive Director Makoto Watanabe, graced the ceremony. Their presence underscored the strong bilateral relations between the Philippines and Japan and highlighted the economic and cultural benefits of increasing air connectivity between the two nations.
Cebu Pacific’s decision to add Sapporo as its fifth destination in Japan further bolsters its network. Previously, the airline has successfully connected to popular Japanese destinations such as Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT), Osaka International Airport (ITM), Nagoya’s Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO), and Fukuoka Airport (FUK). These strategic routes help to meet the rising demand among Filipino travelers, as Japan has become an increasingly popular destination. In fact, data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) reveals that nearly half a million Filipino tourists visit Japan each year. In 2023, the number reached a record high of 622,300, reflecting a steady 1.5% increase compared to pre-pandemic figures from 2019.
The introduction of the direct Manila-Sapporo route is expected to boost tourism and foster closer cultural ties between the two countries. With a competitive fare structure, substantial time savings, and enhanced passenger experience afforded by the Airbus A320neo, Cebu Pacific is well positioned to capture a larger share of the market. As international travel steadily recovers, this new offering from the Philippine low-cost carrier promises to deliver both convenience and value, stimulating further economic activity and tourism between the Philippines and Japan.
For travelers searching for affordable and direct access to Sapporo’s winter attractions, Cebu Pacific’s new service is set to become a game-changing option in 2025.
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