Philippine Airlines (PAL) has reopened its Clark to Basco route, marking this milestone with a celebration at Clark International Airport on July 2, 2024. The event saw the attendance of officials from PAL, the Department of Tourism Region 3, Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corporation (LIPAD), Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), and Clark Development Corporation (CDC).
The newly restored route operates four times weekly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The flight, PR 2688, departs from Clark International Airport at 11:00 AM and arrives in Basco at 12:35 PM. The return flight, PR 2689, leaves Basco at 1:00 PM and lands back in Clark at 2:35 PM. This direct service to Basco complements PAL’s daily Manila to Basco flights and adds to the airline’s offerings from Clark, which include daily flights to Cebu, thrice-weekly flights to Boracay (Caticlan), and four-times-weekly flights to Coron (Busuanga).
Enhancing Connectivity and Opportunities
DOT Region 3 Director Richard Daenos commented on the significance of the new route, stating, “The flight represents the culmination of meticulous planning, coordination, and dedication, a testament to our commitment to enhance connectivity and to foster new opportunities for commerce, tourism, and cultural exchanges.”
CLARK LIPAD President and CEO Noel Manankil expressed enthusiasm for the reopened route, saying, “We are thrilled to once again connect Clark to the breathtaking beauty of Batanes. This flight not only opens up opportunities to explore this unique destination but also strengthens our commitment towards convenient travel options for all. Your efforts contribute immensely to promoting tourism and economic growth not only for Batanes but also for the entire Central Luzon.”
PAL Express President Rabbi Vincent Ang highlighted the strategic importance of the Clark hub, stating, “It gives us great pride to meet the demand for flights out of Central Luzon, a strategic gateway to Northern, Central, and Southern Philippines. From Clark, leisure and business travelers can likewise connect to other PAL domestic destinations via our Cebu hub.”
The PAL Group remains committed to building route capacity, fleet growth, and customer service innovations. The reopening of the Clark-Basco route reflects PAL’s dedication to expanding its network and improving travel options for its customers.
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