The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed the launch of Air China’s inaugural direct flight between Chongqing and Manila on Saturday to revive Chinese tourist arrivals to the Philippines.
The first Chongqing–Manila (CKG–MNL) flight arrived early Saturday carrying over 150 passengers. Department of Trade and Industry National Capital Region office and Routes Development Unit officials received the travelers upon arrival.
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The new route operates four times weekly and strengthens air connectivity between the Philippines and southwest China, which remains one of the country’s major outbound travel markets.
Tourism officials said the additional route will improve accessibility for Chinese travelers and support the recovery of inbound tourism. China historically ranks among the largest source markets for the Philippines.
The launch coincides with the government’s implementation of a 14-day visa-free entry policy for Chinese nationals that took effect in January 2026. The program allows travelers to enter via Manila and Cebu without a visa, subject to standard requirements, to boost tourism and economic exchanges.
With the addition of the Chongqing service, Air China now operates three routes to Manila from Chongqing, Beijing and Chengdu. This brings the carrier’s total to 15 weekly round-trip flights.
Tourism officials expressed optimism that improved air links and eased entry policies will attract more Chinese visitors.
They cited the market’s critical role in the country’s tourism recovery. As of end-April 2026, e-travel data recorded 150,000 Chinese tourist arrivals in the Philippines. Othel V. Campos
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