The launch is described by the Philippine government as a “crucial step” to the recovery of robust Chinese tourist arrivals in the country.
At 12:16 am on Saturday, May 2, the Air China plane from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG), carrying at least 155 passengers, landed at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL).
The said flight is the inaugural direct service of the airline between both cities, with officials from the Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT), through its National Capital Region (NCR) Office and Routes Development Unit, greeting passengers and crew.
Meanwhile, the outbound MNL-CKG flight departed from the Philippines at 1:50 am with 145 passengers on board.
In its statement, the DOT said it welcomes the launch of this service, which it regarded as “a crucial step towards recovering the Philippines’ previously robust Chinese tourist arrivals.”
China is among the Philippines’ top tourist market, logging a total of 150,708 visitors based on data captured by the e-travel system as of April 30, 2026.
The launch also comes months after thr restored visa-free policy for Chinese tourists entering the country via Manila and Cebu.
Flag carrier Air China also has existing direct routes connecting the major cities of Chengdu and Beijing to Manila.
As of the first quarter of 2026, the airline already mounted at least 131 direct flights to the Philippines, offering close to 34,000 seats.