The Northern Samar provincial government has expressed enthusiasm for the new air route connecting Cebu to Catarman, which will be serviced by Philippine Airlines (PAL) starting March 1. The thrice-weekly service, scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, will utilize an 86-seater De Havilland Dash 8 Series 400 Next Generation aircraft. Departures from Cebu are set for 9:50 a.m., with arrivals in Catarman at 10:55 a.m. The return flights will leave Northern Samar at 11:25 a.m., reaching Cebu an hour later. This new route is expected to make Northern Samar’s stunning attractions, such as the world-famous Biri Rock Formation, more accessible to tourists from the Visayas, other parts of the Philippines, and international visitors. Other notable tourist spots in the region include Capul Island, Pink Beach on Sila Island, Lulugayan Falls, Macagtas Dam, Canawayon Island, and a natural lagoon in Mapanas. On February 10, PAL representatives met with Governor Edwin Ongchuan and Vice Governor Clarence Dato to discuss the launch of this new service. Governor Ongchuan praised the initiative, highlighting its potential to draw investments and further develop the province’s tourism sector. Currently, PAL operates four weekly flights between Catarman and Manila.
