Travelers flying out of Iloilo will need to make alternate plans in the coming months, as Cebu Pacific has confirmed the temporary suspension of its direct international routes to Bangkok and Singapore.
The airline said the move is part of its broader network adjustments as operating costs continue to climb, particularly due to higher global fuel prices.
When the suspension starts
Flights between Iloilo and Bangkok will be suspended from April 17 until October 24, 2026. The airline has also paused its Iloilo–Singapore route within the same adjustment period, affecting travelers who prefer direct international connections from Western Visayas.
These routes were among the few direct links connecting Iloilo to key Southeast Asian destinations, making the suspension a notable shift for both leisure and business travelers.
Why the flights were suspended
Cebu Pacific cited a sharp rise in global fuel costs, which have doubled since 2025 amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, as the main reason for the suspension. While alternative connections via Manila or other hubs remain available, no direct nonstop flights will operate on the Iloilo–Bangkok or Iloilo–Singapore routes during the suspension period.
The airline explained that the continued increase in jet fuel prices makes it necessary to reassess certain routes to maintain operational efficiency and manage demand. Although the Iloilo routes are strategically important, they are temporarily scaled back as part of a broader network adjustment while Cebu Pacific navigates the current economic and market conditions.
Passenger Options
All travelers booked on the affected flights will receive notifications and can choose from three options under Philippine passenger protection rules:
1. Free rebooking – Reschedule within 30 days before or after the original travel date at no extra cost.
2. Full refund – Ticket price refunded to the original payment method (excluding travel taxes and unused fees like TravelSure insurance).
3. Travel fund – Convert the full ticket value into a non-expiring travel fund credit under the original booking reference.
Once an option is chosen, the action is final. The airline’s Self-Service Disruption Portal allows passengers to quickly apply one of these remedies.
Alternative travel options
While direct flights are paused, travelers can still reach Bangkok and Singapore through connecting flights – most commonly via Manila or Cebu. These alternatives may require longer travel time but remain widely available through various airlines.
Impact on Iloilo travelers
The suspension temporarily removes convenient, nonstop access to two of Southeast Asia’s busiest cities. For many travelers in Western Visayas, this means adjusting itineraries and allowing extra time for connections.
The suspension is expected to be temporary, with direct flights likely to resume by late October 2026.
Ilonggo Traveler 
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