Philippine Airlines to Suspend Manila-Kalibo Flights

In a surprising development, Philippine Airlines (PAL) has announced the suspension of its Manila-Kalibo-Manila flights starting 1 Mar 2025. The decision, confirmed in a letter to Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores by PAL’s Vice President for Corporate Affairs Anne Tiongco, has raised alarms among local officials and business leaders who fear the move could significantly impact Aklan’s economy.

The letter, sent on January 3, explained the suspension as part of “necessary adjustments,” though no further details were provided. This decision comes as a major blow to Kalibo International Airport (KIA), a critical hub for travelers heading to Boracay, one of the Philippines' most iconic tourist destinations.

What we know about the Manila-Kalibo flights suspension by PAL

Image credit: Philippine Airlines | Official Website

Kalibo has long been a key gateway for both domestic and international visitors heading to Aklan, particularly Boracay. The daily flights between Manila and Kalibo have played a pivotal role in sustaining the province’s tourism-dependent economy. With PAL’s suspension of this route, concerns are mounting about reduced accessibility to the province, which could discourage tourists and disrupt local businesses reliant on consistent visitor traffic.

“The potential decline of Kalibo International Airport would not just be an aviation issue but a serious economic one,” a local business leader commented. “Many livelihoods here depend on tourism, and reduced flight connectivity could hurt everyone from hoteliers to small vendors.”

Kalibo International Airport, known for its strategic role in connecting travelers to Boracay, may face diminished operations if other airlines do not step in to fill the gap left by PAL. Local officials have urged the government and private sector stakeholders to take proactive steps in ensuring the airport’s viability and maintaining the province’s accessibility.

For travelers, this announcement could mean adjustments in their plans. Alternative routes, such as flights to Caticlan’s Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, may become more prominent, though these flights often come at a premium cost compared to those landing in Kalibo.

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As March approaches, stakeholders in Aklan are hopeful that solutions can be found to mitigate the impact of this development. For now, the suspension serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between aviation decisions and their ripple effects on local economies and communities.