Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) welcomed 163 Japanese visitors on May 2 arriving via the first-ever chartered flight from Narita, Japan to Panglao, Bohol operated by Cebu Pacific via 5J8811. The arrival signals a renewed interest from the Japanese market and underscores Bohol’s growing appeal as a premier destination for international travellers.
Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado expressed optimism about the development, emphasising its importance in boosting the local tourism industry and economy. “This is a very encouraging development for Bohol. We are hopeful that this chartered flight will pave the way for regular international arrivals, particularly from Japan, which has always been a valued tourism market for us,” Governor Aumentado said.
Driving this initiative forward is Aboitiz InfraCapital Bohol Airport Corporation (ABAC), the operator of BPIA. Joining the Governor’s official delegation during the September 2025 Bohol Business Mission to Japan, ABAC held exclusive talks with charter flight organiser JTB Corporation. These discussions highlighted the airport’s modern infrastructure and laid the groundwork for expanding Japanese tourist arrivals in Bohol.
Building on these engagements, ABAC also conducted on-site inspection in Tagbilaran in October to assess the readiness and adequacy of the airport’s Immigration, Customs, and Quarantine (ICQ) facilities—a crucial step in ensuring seamless international operations and passenger experience.
Bohol-Panglao International Airport General Manager Aldwin Uy highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration in enabling international connectivity. “We are proud to support this milestone arrival made possible through our strong partnership with Cebu Pacific, the Provincial Government of Bohol, and our tourism partners in Japan. This charter flight demonstrates Bohol-Panglao International Airport’s readiness to handle international traffic, connecting travelers to Bohol’s unique experiences and opportunities, while we continue enhancing our facilities and passenger experience to support stronger international operations.”
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