Filipino Airlines Scale Back Turboprops in Manila

Philippine carriers are preparing to phase out turboprop operations from Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport by March 2026, following a government mandate aimed at easing slot congestion. Both Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have begun shifting flights to alternative hubs, while gradually reducing turboprop services from the capital.

Philippine Airlines recently announced that more regional flights will move to Cebu and Clark International. Subsidiary PAL Express has already transferred Manila–Basco flights to Clark, increasing frequencies to twice daily from October. A new Cebu–Calbayog route will replace the Manila service, while flights to Siargao and Busuanga will continue from Manila with reduced frequencies. Connections to San José McGuire and Catarman will remain through winter due to limited hub alternatives.

Cebu Pacific’s turboprop unit, Cebgo, will cut Manila–Naga service from two to one daily flight starting late October, introducing a replacement route from Clark. The airline also plans to launch Clark–San José, shifting traffic away from Manila. Cebgo will continue using ATR72-600s for services to Busuanga, Caticlan, and Naga during the transition.

PAL Express will keep operating DHC-8-Q400s from Manila to Busuanga, Catarman, and Siargao until the March 2026 deadline. AirSWIFT, now owned by Cebu Pacific, will maintain ATR42-600 and ATR72-600 services from Manila and El Nido until the rule takes effect.

The Manila Slot Coordination Committee extended the phase-out deadline from October 2025 to March 2026, giving operators more time to adjust. The policy is expected to free up valuable slots for larger aircraft types.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com