Domestic Flights in the Philippines

The Philippines is a stunning archipelago made up of thousands of islands. While island hopping by boat is an adventure, taking domestic flights in the Philippines is usually the quickest way to explore this beautiful country.

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This comprehensive guide will help you plan your domestic flights in the Philippines, from choosing the right airline to understanding airport procedures.

To find your perfect flight, simply use our search tool at the top of the page.

Cebu Pacific is a Philippine-based airline operating as a low-cost carrier. Founded in 1988, it is the largest airline in the Philippines. The company provides domestic and international flights, serving multiple destinations in Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and the United States. Cebu Pacific is headquartered in Manila and operates a fleet of Airbus aircraft.

Domestic destinations: Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Caticlan, Cauayan, Cotabato, Dipolog, Dumaguete, General Santos, Kalibo, Laoag, Legazpi, Naga, Ozamiz, Pagadian, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, Tacloban, Tagbiliaran, Tawi-Tawi, Tuguegarao, Virac, & Zamboanga.

The baggage policy with Cebu Pacific depends on your fare type:

• All passengers: One carry-on bag up to 7 kg (15 lbs). Maximum size is 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm (22 in x 14 in x 9 in).
• Go Basic: No checked baggage included. You can buy this separately.
• Go Easy & Go Flexi: Two bags with a total weight of 20 kg (44 lbs) included.

Booking Cebu Pacific domestic flights through Alternative Airlines couldn't be easier. Start your search today using the form at the top of the page.

AirSWIFT is a domestic Philippine airline that primarily serves popular tourist destinations. Established in 2002 and rebranded in 2015, the airline offers scheduled and charter flights. It is part of the Ayala Corporation and also provides air transport services for its sister company, El Nido Resorts.

Domestic destinations: Bohol, Boracay, Busuanga (Coron), Cebu, Clark, El Nido, Manila, Romblon, & Sicogon.

AirSWIFT has a simple baggage policy:

• Checked baggage: AirSwift offers a standard checked baggage allowance of 10kg for all fare types. You can purchase additional checked baggage in increments of 5kg up to a maximum of 25kg.
• Carry-on baggage: One piece is allowed, with a maximum weight of 7kg and dimensions of 18 inches (length) by 13.5 inches (width) by 9 inches (depth).

Sunlight Air is a Philippine airline that began flying passengers in late 2020. It operates domestic flights, mainly from Clark International Airport to various island destinations. The airline is part of the Sunlight Hotels and Resorts group, offering combined flight and accommodation packages. Sunlight Air uses ATR 72-500 aircraft for its flights.

Domestic destinations: Busuanga, Cagayan de Oro, Caticlan, Cebu, Clar, Iloilo, Manila, Naga, Puerto Princesa, San Vicente, & Siargao. 

Here’s the baggage allowance when flying Sunlight Air:

• Checked baggage: 10 kg (22 lbs) per passenger.
• Carry-on baggage: One piece with a maximum weight of 7 kg (15 lbs).

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is the main airport serving Manila in the Philippines. It's a busy hub for both domestic and international flights. While it handles a large volume of passengers, the airport has been known for congestion and older facilities.

Mactan–Cebu International Airport (CEB)

Mactan-Cebu International Airport is the main gateway to the Central Visayas region in the Philippines. It's located on Mactan Island and handles both international and internal Philippines flights. As the second busiest airport in the country, it's a major hub for travel to and from Cebu.

Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO)

Francisco Bangoy International Airport, also known as Davao International Airport, is the main airport serving Davao City and the Davao region in the Philippines. It's the busiest airport on the island of Mindanao and the third busiest in the entire country.

Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (MPH)

Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, also known as Caticlan or Boracay Airport, serves as a gateway to the popular tourist destination of Boracay in the Philippines. It's a busy airport, handling millions of passengers yearly. While smaller than other major Philippine airports, it offers domestic and international flights connecting to various destinations.

Save time

The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands. Getting from one island to another by boat can take a long time. For example, a journey from Manila to Cebu, which could take around 24 hours by ferry, can be done in about an hour by plane. 

Comfort and convenience

Flying domestically within the Philippines is easy. Most airports are nicer than you'd expect, with places to eat, shops, and comfortable waiting areas. It's a lot less stressful than dealing with boats or buses. Plus, many flights go straight to your destination, so you don't have to worry about connecting flights or taking other transport. It’s a much smoother way to travel.

Reach hidden gems

The Philippines has thousands of islands, and some of the best places are tucked away in quieter spots. Take Palawan, for example. It’s got stunning beaches and islands, but towns like El Nido are very popular. If you want to find quieter spots with crystal-clear waters and white sand, you’ll need to take a flight to smaller islands such as Busuanga. These places are real hidden gems, but they're hard to get to by boat.