MANILA – Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced the relaunch of direct flights between Siargao and Clark which began on Tuesday.

"We are proud of this returning service. Our thrice weekly service will provide ease and convenience for residents and tourists in Central and Northern Luzon since there is no need for land travel to Metro Manila to connect to Siargao,” PAL Express President Rabbi Vincent Ang said in a news release.

“The inauguration of the Philippine Airlines route from Clark to Siargao comes at a perfect time as we approach the holiday season, when many of us are eager to reunite with loved ones and explore new destinations," Noel Manankil, president and chief executive officer of Clark Airport operator LIPAD Corp., was quoted as saying.

The Siargao-Clark flights will operate thrice weekly, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The route utilizes an 86-seater De Havilland Dash 8-400 Next Generation aircraft.

PAL has 31 weekly flights to Siargao, including via Manila and Cebu.

The carrier said the service is part of its continuing expansion in the Clark hub.

From Clark International Airport, PAL also operates to Cebu, Basco, Busuanga (Coron), and Caticlan. (PNA)