Guam now has a direct flight to Cebu, Philippines as Philippine Airlines launched its historic first-ever nonstop flight on Wednesday.
The inaugural flight departed Mactan-Cebu International Airport on Dec. 16, and arrived in Guam early morning on Dec. 17, where it was welcomed with a ceremonial water salute at the airport, a release from Goodwind Travel and Tour Corporation, Inc. stated.
Flight PR120 arrived at 3 a.m. Wednesday at the A.B. Won Pat International Airport.
The inaugural flight carried a Guam delegation led by Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero that commenced the journey in Cebu, where an official launch ceremony was held at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, according to a release from the Guam Visitors Bureau.
The new route strengthens tourism, trade, and cultural ties between Guam and the Visayas and Mindanao region of the Philippines.
Consul General of the Philippines Rosario P. Lemque, Leon Guerrero, and Sen. Jesse Lujan gave remarks during a ceremony welcoming the flight.
The Cebu-Guam route reflects Philippine Airlines’ continued commitment to expanding its network in the Pacific region and supporting Guam’s role as a key gateway to Asia, the company said.
The direct service is expected to boost tourism, facilitate family reunions, and create new economic opportunities for both destinations.
In Cebu, Leon Guerrero shared her excitement about the continued partnership with the City of Cebu, the Department of Tourism, Cebu–Mactan International Airport, and Philippine Airlines.
Her remarks highlighted that PAL’s decision to expand service beyond Manila and elevate Cebu as an international gateway reflects a strong, forward-looking vision and honors the long relationship with Guam, dating back to PAL’s first landing in 1946.
“Today marks the beginning of a new era, one filled with easier travel, deeper friendships, stronger cultural ties, and even greater possibilities for our communities,” Leon Guerrero said.
She said the inaugural flight is more than a new route. It reflects Guam’s close ties and long-standing bond with its Filipino community, whose contributions continue to shape the island’s story.
“By strengthening our connection with Cebu and the Visayas, we are honoring our shared history while creating new opportunities for families, businesses, and cultural exchange in the years ahead,” she said.
Guam Visitors Bureau General Manager Régine Biscoe Lee shared her enthusiasm about the new route in a statement.
“This direct flight between Guam and Cebu is a definite win for our tourism industry,” Biscoe Lee said. “It helps to open up a new market, making it easier for people from the Philippines to visit family and friends and explore destination Guam. It will help cultivate even more robust business, travel experiences, and cultural connections.”
The direct route drastically reduces travel time and stopovers, making Guam an accessible, distinctively American destination for Filipino travelers seeking a unique U.S. experience without a long-haul commitment, GVB said.
After the arrival of the flight in Guam, the Guam delegation joined Guam International Airport Authority, GVB, the Philippine Consul General, and officials from PAL and Goodwind Development Corporation for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its first departure from Guam to Cebu and welcome outbound crew and passengers.
Flight schedule:
● PR121 – Guam to Cebu: 05:15 a.m. – 06:50 a.m., operating Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays
● PR120 – Cebu to Guam: 9:40 p.m. – 03:25 a.m. (+1), operating Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
Philippine Airlines, in partnership with local and regional stakeholders, looks forward to welcoming more travelers aboard this historic route and celebrating many more milestones in the years ahead, the company said.
