Flying to El Nido? All Flights Will Depart from Clark Instead of Manila Starting March 29

El Nido, one of the Philippines’ most iconic island destinations, is set to become even more accessible in a new way.

Starting March 29, Cebu Pacific and its subsidiaries will relocate all turboprop flights, including direct flights to El Nido Lio Airport (ENI), from Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) to Clark International Airport (CRK).

For most travelers, this change may initially seem like an inconvenience. However, this move is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and reduce congestion at Manila’s primary gateway, while positioning Clark as a premier hub for regional and domestic travel.

Compared to the heavy traffic and congestion visitors often encounter at MNL airport, CRK offers a less crowded and more efficient passenger experience with shorter queues and simplified check-in procedures.

This shift is not merely a relocation but an upgrade to the overall travel experience. Visitors can now look forward to a more fluid, predictable, and tranquil start to their vacation.

What Has Changed

The most significant change for travelers is that, effective March 29, 2026, all flights previously operating from Manila to El Nido will depart from Clark International Airport instead.

This transition applies to services operated by AirSWIFT, which is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Cebu Pacific, as well as Cebgo turboprop flights that formerly utilized MNL Terminal 2.

Under the updated schedule

• Direct Routes: Services between Manila and El Nido will shift to Clark-El Nido-Clark routes.
• Other domestic routes: Such as Manila to Coron (Busuanga) and Manila to Naga, will relocate their operations entirely to Clark.
• Regional Hub Expansion: Flights to Siargao and Masbate are also being moved from Manila to Clark to further ease congestion at Manila airport.

Travelers should note that this is a permanent structural change aimed at optimizing flight slot allocation across the Philippine archipelago.

The move is intended to improve operational reliability, allowing regional routes to run more smoothly without the frequent delays caused by heavy international jet traffic at Manila’s main airport.

Note: For the most accurate and up-to-date information on flight changes and alternative options, please refer to the airline’s official website.

Source: Cebu Pacific-Travel Advisory

Why This Matters for Travelers

Impact on Trip Planning

For travelers heading to El Nido in 2026, the shift to Clark has several implications:

• Airport Transfers: Travelers departing from Manila will need to arrange additional ground transportation to Clark International Airport via expressway, taxi, shuttle, or private transfer. Depending on traffic conditions, this can add approximately two to three hours to the journey. (Travel times may vary significantly during peak hours.)
• Existing Bookings: Passengers with existing MNL-ENI flights scheduled after March 29 should check their tickets. Cebu Pacific has indicated that affected bookings will be automatically transferred to CRK departures.
• Alternative Options: For flexibility, the airline offers options such as free rebooking, refund or travel fund for passengers who prefer not to travel via Clark. However, applicable policies may vary depending on fare class and booking conditions.

Source: Cebu Pacific-Travel Advisory

Mention here that the bus timetable is not 100%, and the bus can leave early / late.
Recommend getting there 30 minutes before the schedule if possible. Private van to CRK from MNL can cost between 5,000-6000 php

Who Should Pay Attention?

This change is particularly important for:

• Travelers who have already purchased MNL-ENI flights.
• Visitors planning short stays in the Philippines, where additional transfer time could impact daily itineraries.
• Passengers connecting from international flights arriving in Manila.

Travelers with trips scheduled for late March 2026 or later are strongly advised to review their bookings as soon as possible and plan accordingly.

Note :
 • Be sure to double-check the airport and terminal information on your e-ticket before departure. While El Nido flights have moved to Clark, some other domestic routes may continue to operate from Manila for the time being.
• For the most accurate and up-to-date information on flight changes and alternative options, please refer to the airline’s official website.

What Travelers Should Check Before Booking

For travelers from Europe, North America, and other long-haul destinations, the shift to Clark requires a small but important adjustment in trip planning, especially if the itinerary includes El Nido, Coron, or other destinations in northern Palawan or Luzon.

• Consider booking international flights that arrive directly at Clark.
• Opt for multi-city airline tickets with sufficient connection times to avoid rushed transfers.
• If arriving in Manila, plan ground transportation to Clark in advance.

Note:
• Be sure to double-check the airport and terminal information on your e-ticket before departure. While El Nido flights have moved to Clark, some other domestic routes may continue to operate from Manila for the time being.
• For the most accurate and up-to-date information on flight changes and alternative options, please refer to the airline’s official website.

Benefits of the Clark Shift

Clark International Airport is located approximately 80 kilometers north of Manila. Its world-class terminal, launched in May 2022, meets international standards in both design and efficiency. Furthermore, it was honored as one of the world’s most beautiful airports in 2023, earning the prestigious Prix Versailles Architecture and Design Award in the Airport Category.

Source: Clark International Airport

The move to CRK offers several notable advantages:

• Reduced Congestion: Flights from Clark experience significantly fewer ground delays. Furthermore, immigration and security procedures are often faster than at MNL Airport.
• Modern Infrastructure: The new CRK terminal features contactless check-in kiosks, premium lounges, and a spacious layout designed to enhance passenger comfort.
• The P2P Solution: Traveling between Manila and Clark is more seamless than many expect. Local bus operator Genesis Transport provides a dedicated Point-to-Point (P2P) bus service that operates regularly between MNL Terminal 3 and Clark airport. These premium coaches offer comfortable seating and Wi-Fi, turning the two to three-hour journey into a convenient and stress-free connection.

For many travelers, this means less stress, fewer delays, and a smoother transition to domestic flights.

Note: Cebu Pacific does not offer transportation between Manila and Clark.

Source : Genesis Transport

Official Information

These changes are part of a government-mandated resolution issued by the Department of Transportation’s Manila Slot Coordination Committee, aimed at reallocating turboprop operations away from Manila’s congested airport to secondary hubs such as Clark.

The respective airline managements, including Cebu Pacific, advise passengers to:

• Monitor flight status through the official Cebu Pacific website or reservation portal.
• Update contact information to receive SMS and email notifications regarding flight or gate changes.
• Review rebooking and refund options on the airline’s Manage Booking page.
• Consider alternative routes if revised flight times or departure locations do not align with travel preferences.

Note:
• Be sure to double-check the airport and terminal information on your e-ticket before departure. While El Nido flights have moved to Clark, some other domestic routes may continue to operate from Manila for the time being.
• For the most accurate and up-to-date information on flight changes and alternative options, please refer to the airline’s official website. (Cebu Pacific-Travel Advisory)

What’s Next

This relocation marks a new chapter in Philippine tourism—one characterized by decentralization and a focus on the passenger experience. As Cebu Pacific completes the relocation of its turboprop fleet to Clark, travelers can expect evolving flight networks and schedule optimizations.

Clark International Airport is increasingly becoming a gateway not just to El Nido and Palawan, but also to northern and central Luzon, as well as expanding international services.

For travelers planning a visit to Palawan in 2026 and beyond, early planning and awareness of this operational shift will help ensure smooth travel experiences.

Whether you are headed for the world-renowned lagoons of El Nido or the wreck dives of Coron, flights from Clark will soon be your departure point for some of the Philippines’ most spectacular natural wonders.