The Da Nang Department of Tourism coordinated with relevant units to organise a ceremony at Da Nang International Airport on Thursday to welcome the first direct flight connecting the Philippines capital of Manila with the central beach tourist city.

Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee Tran Chi Cuong (middle) and representatives of relevant units cut the ribbon to open the new Manila - Da Nang air route. Photo: THU HA

Accordingly, the flight No. 5J 5756 departing from Manila landed at Da Nang International Airport at 9:30 pm, bringing 177 Filipino passengers to visit and experience tourism services in the city.

The Manila - Da Nang air route is regularly operated by low-cost airline Cebu Pacific Air, with a frequency of 3 flights per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, using A320NEO aircraft with a capacity of 188 seats.

During the welcome ceremony, representatives from the municipal Department of Tourism gave away souvenirs and free vouchers to experience services at the Sky36 Bar located on the top of Novotel Premier Danang Han River to all passengers on the first flight. In particular, 3 lucky passengers on the flight also received vouchers for round-trip air tickets between Manila and Da Nang from the Cebu Pacific Air.

Passengers on the first flight from the Philippines' Manila happily take photos at Da Nang International Airport. Photo: THU HA

Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee Tran Chi Cuong said that the Philippines is one of the new and potential markets of Da Nang's tourism industry. The opening of the Manila - Da Nang air route is the most practical result from the successful organisation of the Routes Asia 2022.

“Through the Routes Asia 2022, the city has connected and worked with Cebu Pacific Air to promote the opening of new flights from Manila to Da Nang, contributing to restoring and diversifying international markets to Da Nang. We expect the newly-launched air service will create favourable conditions for two sides to connect and exchange bilateral passengers" Mr. Tran Chi Cuong said.

Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee Tran Chi Cuong (4th, right) presents souvenirs and vouchers for round-trip flight tickets from Manila to Da Nang of Cebu Pacific Air to three lucky passengers. Photo: THU HA

It is known that, on the occasion of welcoming this new air route, the municipal Department of Tourism received famtrips, presstrips, and KOL groups to experience and survey tourism products and services in Da Nang, thereby promoting Da Nang tourism and effectively exploiting the Philippine market.

According to the Da Nang International Terminal Investment and Operation Joint Stock Company (AHT), for the time being, there are 16 regular international flight routes, connecting Da Nang with other parts of the world, with an estimated frequency of 45-50 flights/day.

The Philippines had a total population of 109 million people, with a relatively high spending level in Southeast Asia. Da Nang is the third city in Viet Nam that Cebu Pacific Air chooses to open air route after Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City.

​Reporting by THU HA - Translating by M.DUNG