Xiamen Air will operate the Cebu–Quanzhou service using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, flying twice weekly—every Tuesday and Saturday—from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport, offering a seamless three-hour journey for both business and leisure travelers.
The resumption reconnects two key trading ports—Quanzhou, a major historic port in China, and Cebu, the Philippines’ premier tourism and transfer gateway, as well as a trading hub for the Visayas and Mindanao.
“Today is historic—not simply because we are launching a route, but because we are renewing partnerships and opening a new chapter,” Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro said, emphasizing that the flight represents more than connectivity, as it symbolizes shared aspirations and stronger people-to-people ties.
She also expressed gratitude to Xiamen Airlines, noting that the restored route will serve as a bridge for greater opportunities, deeper cultural understanding, and sustained economic growth for both regions.
Fostering friendship
Yang Shuang Hua, general manager of Quanzhou-Jinjiang International Airport, said during the launch that the resumption of flights not only reopens a direct air link between Fujian and Cebu, but also builds a bridge connecting people, enhancing friendship, and promoting cooperation.
She added that the flights would make tourism more convenient, business cooperation smoother, cultural exchanges deeper, and ties between the Chinese and Filipino people stronger.
“We will ensure the route operates with high-quality, efficient, and thoughtful services, continuously optimize processes, improve the travel experience, and safeguard this air bridge of friendship,” Yang said.
She expressed hope that the route’s resumption would deepen ties between Cebu and Quanzhou and expand cooperation in trade, tourism, culture, and other sectors.
Hu Bin, general manager of Xiamen Airlines (Quanzhou Branch), reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to the China-Philippines market, aiming to facilitate exchanges and strengthen cooperation in tourism, trade, economy, and culture.
“Looking ahead, Xiamen Airlines hopes to work with partners to further optimize the China-Philippines route network, improve service quality, and contribute to stronger bilateral ties,” he said.
Flight suspension
Xiamen Airlines first launched the Cebu–Quanzhou route in 2017, but it was suspended three years later due to the global shutdown of air travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The route’s resumption supports the Philippine government’s efforts to revitalize inbound tourism, following the implementation of a 14-day visa-free entry policy for eligible Chinese tourists.
The reopening was championed by the Cebu Provincial Government after a diplomatic mission to Fujian Province in February, where Baricuatro met with officials to strengthen strategic ties.
“Today, that same spirit takes flight, bringing new possibilities for tourism, trade, and people-to-people connections,” Baricuatro said.
“Cebu has always been a gateway—open, dynamic, and forward-looking. With this renewed route, we continue that legacy by opening doors wider to the world and strengthening ties with our friends from Quanzhou and across China.”
Athanasios Titonis, chief executive officer of Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp. (ACAC), which operates MCIA, said the launch reaffirms their mandate to drive economic growth through strong aviation connectivity.
He added that MCIA aims to be more than just an entry point, but a transit and transfer hub for the Philippine islands.
“By bridging Central Visayas directly with Fujian, we are opening up immense opportunities for local tourism operators, exporters, and businesses,” he said. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
Contributor
