PANGLAO, Bohol-- Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) welcomed the first chartered flight from Japan in May 2026 with 163 Japanese tourists arriving via the first-ever chartered flight from Narita, Japan to Panglao, Bohol operated by Cebu Pacific via 5J8811, marking the beginning of international tourism and connectivity expansion.
“This is a very encouraging development for Bohol. We are hopeful that this chartered flight will pave the way for regular international arrivals, particularly from Japan, which has always been a valued tourism market for us,” said Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado, at the arrival ceremony.
Aumentado said that the arrival signals a renewed interest from the Japanese market and underscores Bohol’s growing appeal as a premier destination for international travelers and is optimistic about this development, emphasizing its importance in boosting the local tourism and the economy.
Driving this initiative forward is Aboitiz InfraCapital Bohol Airport Corporation (ABAC), the operator of BPIA. Joining the Governor’s official delegation during the September 2025 Bohol Business Mission to Japan, ABAC held exclusive talks with charter flight organizer JTB Corporation.
These discussions highlighted the airport's modern infrastructure and laid the groundwork for expanding Japanese tourist arrivals in Bohol. Building on these engagements, ABAC also conducted on-site inspection in Tagbilaran in October to assess the readiness and adequacy of the airport’s Immigration, Customs, and Quarantine (ICQ) facilities—a crucial step in ensuring seamless international operations and passenger experience.
BPIA continues to enhance facilities, passengers’ arrival experiences
“We are proud to support this milestone arrival made possible through our strong partnership with Cebu Pacific, the Provincial Government of Bohol, and our tourism partners in Japan,” BPIA General Manager Aldwin Uy highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration in enabling international connectivity.
BPIA officials and local tourism stakeholders welcomed the visiting Japanese tourists upon arrival, showcasing Boholano hospitality and culture, with a seamless and memorable arrival experience. Uy shared that this charter flight demonstrates BPIA’s readiness to handle international traffic, connecting travelers to Bohol’s unique experiences and opportunities, while the airport continues to enhance its facilities and passenger experience to support stronger international operations.
Bohol-Panglao International Airport, known as the country’s first eco-airport, continues to play a vital role in enhancing connectivity and supporting the province’s tourism growth. By connecting travelers to destinations like Bohol, the airport helps open pathways to local communities, businesses, and experiences.
“With this milestone, we remain optimistic about further
strengthening international air links and sustaining the upward trajectory of
Bohol’s tourism sector and international connectivity,” Uy said. (Photos: BPIA/Edilyth Calogne)
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