Cebu Pacific (CEB) has just launched an exciting new direct flight from Manila to New Chitose Airport in Sapporo, Japan. This inaugural flight, which took off on January 16, 2025, aboard one of the carrier’s Airbus A320neo aircraft, marks a significant milestone for the airline. Clocking in at a flight time of five hours and 10 minutes, this route also happens to be Cebu Pacific's lengthiest narrow-body flight to date.

Operating three times a week, the flights between Manila and Sapporo are scheduled to depart from Manila at 11:15 local time and arrive in Sapporo at 17:25 local time, with the return leg departing Sapporo at 18:25 local time and arriving back in Manila at 23:20 local time. This new service solidifies Cebu Pacific as the sole airline offering a non-stop connection between these two vibrant cities.

Sapporo becomes the fifth destination in Japan for Cebu Pacific, with existing routes already servicing Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka from various Philippine airports. By introducing this direct flight to Sapporo, Cebu Pacific aims to significantly reduce travel time by up to five hours and provide passengers with savings of up to 63% on airfare, making it an attractive option for travelers.

The inaugural flight celebration at Manila Airport's Terminal 3 was a festive affair attended by important dignitaries such as Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines, His Excellency Endo Kazuya, Philippine Transportation Undersecretary Bobby Lim, and Japan National Tourism Office Executive Director Makoto Watanabe. Sapporo, being a popular winter destination, boasts stunning snowscapes, a vibrant beer culture, and delectable cuisine, solidifying its charm as the capital of Japan's Hokkaido region.

The city's allure skyrocketed back in 1972 when it hosted the Winter Olympics, cementing its status as a must-visit locale for adventure seekers and food enthusiasts alike. With Japan drawing nearly half a million Filipino tourists annually, the newly established direct flight to Sapporo sets the stage for more seamless travel experiences and deeper cultural exchanges between the two countries.