THE Department of Tourism (DOT) has welcomed the launch of three new direct flights from China to Manila as part of efforts to strengthen air connectivity and sustain the recovery of the country’s tourism sector.
The new routes include Hangzhou–Manila, Changsha–Manila, and Chongqing–Manila, expanding access between the Philippines and key cities in China.
XiamenAir launched its inaugural Hangzhou–Manila service on May 20, while Qingdao Airlines began operating the Changsha–Manila route on May 16, followed by XiamenAir’s Chongqing–Manila service on May 21.
The DOT said the additional routes are expected to increase visitor arrivals, tourism exchanges, and business opportunities between the two countries.
Tourism Secretary Bernardita Angara-Mathay said the continued expansion of direct connectivity reflects the government’s broader strategy to accelerate recovery in the Chinese market.
“Under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we are accelerating the restoration of air connectivity from China because we recognize that this market remains one of the Philippines’ biggest opportunities for tourism growth,” Angara-Mathay said.
“At the same time, recovery remains well below pre-pandemic levels, and this shows that the challenge is no longer demand alone but our ability to convert that returning interest into actual travel through sufficient, reliable, and commercially sustainable access,” she added.
From Jan. 1 to May 19, the Philippines recorded 7.78 million international air seats for direct inbound flights, an increase of 8.31 percent compared with the same period in 2025.
The DOT noted that the Chongqing service marks the 33rd direct international route launched in the Philippines since the start of 2025, underscoring continued growth in international connectivity.
The agency said the new flights are expected to spur Philippine tourism while strengthening economic and cultural ties between the two countries.
