SAIPAN, Northern Marianas — Philippine Airlines has resumed direct flights between Manila and Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands after months of delays following Typhoon Sinlaku.
The Philippine flag carrier's first returning flight touched down at Francisco C. Ada-Saipan International Airport at 4:25 a.m. Monday, October 26, nearly three hours behind schedule.
Despite the delay, arriving passengers welcomed the restoration of direct flights, which eliminate the need to transit through Guam or South Korea.
Some friends and relatives of arriving passengers said they had been waiting at the airport since 2 a.m., while passengers booked on the return flight to Manila were notified of the delay.
Saipan resident Christopher Hart, who was returning from a family visit to the Philippines, said the direct service was a welcome convenience.
"It's really nice just being able to go straight back home from Manila," Hart said.
Lourdes Samonte of CTSI Logistics, who arrived for a business conference, also welcomed the direct connection despite the delay.
"Of course, it's a lot easier, it's just unfortunately, it's delayed," she said.
Commonwealth Ports Authority board chairman Bartley Jackson welcomed the airline's return, saying the direct service would help the territory's economic recovery.
"The addition of direct service to Manila from Saipan is sure to help us on the road to economic recovery," Jackson said.
Marianas Visitors Authority acting board chairman Vicky Benavente said international air connections were essential to rebuilding the territory's tourism industry.
"One of the most important aspects of marketing a destination, such as the Marianas, is having flights to and from international airports. The MVA will continue to garner airline partnerships that will result in an increase in our visitor arrivals. We are fortunate for the opportunity to work with Philippine Airlines," Benavente said.
Philippine Airlines is operating twice-weekly flights using an Airbus A321 aircraft, with departures from Manila on Wednesdays and Sundays and return flights from Saipan on Mondays and Thursdays.
The Marianas Visitors Authority board earlier approved a US$400,000 promotional agreement with the airline to support its winter and summer operations and attract more visitors to the Northern Marianas.
The restored service is expected to benefit Filipino workers, tourists, business travelers, and residents seeking easier access to the Philippines and connecting international flights.
