Cebu Pacific launches non-stop A320neo service from Manila to Sapporo, Japan

Philippine low cost carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) has launched its direct flight from Manila International Airport (MNL) to New Chitose Airport (CTS) in Sapporo, Japan.

The inaugural flight took off from Manila on January 16, 2025, using the carrier’s Airbus A320neo aircraft. 

With a flight time of five hours and 10 minutes, the service will be the carrier’s longest narrow-body flight.

The thrice-weekly flights to Sapporo are to operate on the following schedules:

5J 5128 Manila – Sapporo depart 11:15 local time, arrive 17:25 local time

5J 5129 Sapporo – Manila depart 18:25 local time, arrive 23:20 local time

Cebu Pacific is currently the only airline to connect the two cities non-stop. Sapporo is the carrier’s fifth destination in Japan. CEB also flies to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT), Osaka International Airport (ITM), Nagoya’s Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) and Fukoka Airport (FUK) from three airports in the Philippines: MNL Airport, Clark International Airport (CRK) or Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB).

According to Cebu Pacific, the direct flight to Sapporo cuts travel time by up to five hours and offers passengers the opportunity to save up to 63% on airfare. 

 Cebu Pacific, Department of Transportation, and Japan National Tourism Organization officials celebrate kickoff of Manila – Sapporo flight. [From left to right: Hisashi Kawamura, JNTO Director; Candice Iyog, CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer; Makoto Watanabe, JNTO Executive Director; Endo Kazuya, Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines; Xander Lao, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer; Roberto Lim, DOTr Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports]The inaugural flight was marked by a festive ceremony at MNL Airport’s Terminal 3, graced by Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines His Excellency Endo Kazuya, Philippine Transportation Undersecretary Bobby Lim, and Japan National Tourism Office Executive Director Makoto Watanabe.

A popular winter destination, Sapporo is known for its snow destinations and activities, beer culture, and food. It is the capital of Japan’s mountainous region of Hokkaido. Its popularity rocketed in 1972 when it hosted the Winter Olympics.

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Japan draws nearly half a million Filipino tourists yearly. In 2023, 622,300 Filipino tourists visited Japan, a record high and a 1.5% increase on 2019 totals.

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