10 Airlines in the Philippines — from Budget to Business Class

While Pinoys definitely enjoy travelling, there are also people who fly out of necessity. But whether their destinations are domestic or international, they can easily count on airlines in the Philippines to fly them over land or sea. Since local airlines are also numerous, travellers have versatile choices when it comes to flight budgets. Here are a few ever-reliable local carriers which take anyone to their dream destinations —- safely, of course!

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Airlines in the Philippines with international flight routes

1. Philippine Airlines

Of course, we begin this list with the national carrier. Philippine Airlines (PAL) still consistently delivers premium aviation services, even after decades since its founding. This longevity and consistency in the aviation industry make PAL one of the best airlines in the Philippines.

Philippine Airlines has a reach of over 33 domestic points and 44 international destinations in over 21 countries. Among the roster of international destinations include Saudi Arabia, Greece, France, New Zealand, and Russia. They even fly to the United States non-stop!

2. Cebu Pacific Air

Cebu Pacific has a massive fleet of passenger aircraft which safely take its passengers to any of its multiple destinations. But, that’s not the best part of flying with Cebu Pacific. Tickets to their flights can be very affordable at almost any time of the year, especially with their frequent airfare discounts.

Cebu Pacific has a versatile network of domestic destinations compared to most local airlines in the Philippines. They also fly to a handful of international destinations as well, with the furthest from the Philippines being countries from the Middle East such as United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Popular Asian destinations like Seoul, Bangkok, and Shanghai also make up Cebu Pacific’s flight list.

3. AirAsia Philippines

AirAsia Philippines is an affiliate of Malaysia-based carrier, AirAsia. It is the perfect airline to check out should you want to explore East and Southeast Asia on a shoestring budget. Because of their affordable rates, booking tickets to AirAsia’s flights are a great option when flying into expensive cities like Tokyo or Singapore.

Apart from hosting some of the most affordable flight tickets among airlines in the Philippines, AirAsia is also famous for its mobile superapp. This app streamlines travel interests for any destination it covers. Check it out for flight deals, hotel packages, restaurant promos, and loyalty rewards. It even has video games on it!

4. Royal Air

Despite having a limited fleet, Royal Air expertly hosts chartered routes to multiple cities all over East Asia and Southeast Asia. Equally impressive is their routes going to 10 destinations in China, including provinces like Zhangjiajie, Wuxi, and Kunming. They also have future plans to expand to the capital of Beijing.

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5. Jeju Air

While Jeju Air is a South Korean low-cost carrier, it is one of the few airlines that fly from the Philippines directly to Jeju Island. Their flights take off at Clark International Airport. From there, Pinoy passport holders can fly to the South Korean province visa-free. It is an easy choice for travellers who want to visit the Land of the Morning Calm without going through the hassles of applying for a visa.

Also read: How Filipinos Can Visit Jeju Island & Gangwon Province Visa-Free

6. PAL Express

After numerous rebrandings, PAL Express is here to stay. This low-cost airline is a subsidiary of Philippine Airlines. While not as far-reaching as its parent company, it does boast international routes to South Korea, China, and the Northern Mariana Islands. It is currently building its fleet to accommodate even more routes to support regional destinations in the Philippines.

Airlines in the Philippines for easy domestic travels

7. Air Juan

Ever wondered what it’s like to board a plane from the docks? Boarding a seaplane with Air Juan lets passengers board and take off from the sea! Apart from the undeniably cool experience of riding a floating plane, Air Juan’s Manila terminal is free from Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s congestion, since passengers can ride their aircraft within the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex’ bayside.

Since the sea is their tarmac, Air Juan’s domestic routes comprise popular beach towns around the Philippines. In some cases, their planes can even land beside resorts in Busuanga, Boracay, and Subic. 

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8. Sunlight Air

Sunlight Air, aside from impeccable aviation services, dedicates itself to a service that exemplifies customer service and hospitality above all else. This commitment translates to the services that they provide, before, during, and after every flight from their planes. They also make sure their guests are comfortable while they wait for flights in their customer lounge, even providing them with tablets upon boarding.

Take note of their travel bubble packages. With an additional fee, it’s possible to acquire travel packages which will include both airline tickets and hotel stays from their group!

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9. Sky Pasada

It seems befitting that Sky Pasada prides itself as “the jeepney of the sky,” since each plane can accommodate a significant passenger number to and from Northern Luzon. While they have routes going to Puerto Princesa and Boracay, their primary destinations are the provinces of Isabela and Cagayan. It is also only one of the few airlines that has a route to Baseco, Batanes.

10. Air Republiq

It can be difficult to find flights scheduled to fly to Batanes. Fortunately, Air Republiq’s aviation services welcome passengers to fly to the humble island province. Air Republiq also flies to nearby northern provinces such as Tuguegarao, Laoag, and even Coron.

Also read: Underrated Northern Luzon Destinations Worth the Road Trip

These airlines ensure that every passenger they carry will have the time of their life once boarded on their planes. Whether they’re locals or foreigners, the skies know no borders. Have a safe flight with these airlines and enjoy the ride!

Featured image credit: Aeroprints.com | Wikimedia Commons