Cebu Pacific launched its upgraded Manila to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro route yesterday, replacing the smaller ATR72 aircraft with the larger Airbus A320, a move set to enhance passenger comfort and bolster tourism and economic growth in Mindoro Island.

Reports have confirmed that CebPac’s A320 plane landed yesterday in San Jose airport.

The airline’s transition to the Airbus A320, which began on March 30, 2025 signals a shift for travelers between Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and San Jose.

The upgrade replaces the turboprop ATR72 previously servicing the route, offering greater capacity and reliability.

Cebu Pacific announced that tickets for the new flights are now available through its official website, www.cebupacificair.com, or the Cebu Pacific mobile app.

The decision reverses an earlier plan outlined in January 2025, when Cebu Pacific intended to reroute Manila-San Jose flights to Clark International Airport in Pampanga due to NAIA’s restrictions on smaller aircraft.

With the deployment of the Airbus A320, the airline will maintain its operations from NAIA, ensuring seamless access for Mindoro-bound passengers.

The larger aircraft is expected to accommodate more travelers, a development Mindoro officials and businesses anticipate will drive tourism and commerce in Mindoro.

“This upgrade reflects our commitment to safe and convenient travel,” Cebu Pacific stated in a press release.

Meanwhile, other regional routes face changes in 2025.

Flights operated by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific to Naga City, Masbate, and other destinations like Siargao and Coron, currently using turboprop aircraft such as the Bombardier Q400 and ATR, will shift from NAIA to Clark International Airport and secondary hubs.

The change is part of NAIA’s optimization plan, effective March 30, though specific timelines for other routes remain unclear.