Bohol logs first Tokyo charter flight, eyes 

regular Japan service via Panglao airport

By Elvira C. Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — A chartered direct flight from Tokyo to Bohol is scheduled for May 2, marking a concrete step toward regular international air service between Japan and the Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA).

Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado announced the flight in an official statement, saying it is operated by Cebu Pacific in coordination with tourism stakeholders from Bohol and Japan, as well as the Department of Tourism.

Cebu Pacific Flight 5J8811 is expected to arrive from Narita, Japan, at 3:35 p.m. on May 2. The group departs May 6 via Flight 5J8812.

Aumentado traced the development to a business and tourism mission the province conducted in Japan in September 2025.

“Bunga kini sa atong gipahigayon nga business and tourism mission didto sa Japan niadtong Setyembre 2025, diin atong gihingusgan ang atong strategic efforts aron mapalig-on ang atong global tourism partnerships ug mapalapdan ang atong market reach,” he said.

(This is a result of our business and tourism mission to Japan in September 2025, where we worked to strengthen our global tourism partnerships and expand our market reach.)

The governor described the charter flight as a step toward making direct Japan-Bohol flights a regular service through BPIA.

“Usa kini ka importanteng lakang aron mapalig-on nato ang atong plano nga mahimo nang regular ang direct flights gikan sa Japan padulong sa Bohol Panglao International Airport. Pinaagi niini, mas mapalawom pa nato ang koneksyon sa international market ug mapakita sa kalibutan ang katahum sa Bohol,” Aumentado said.

(This is an important step toward having regular direct flights from Japan to the Bohol-Panglao International Airport. Through this, we will deepen our connection to the international market and showcase the beauty of Bohol to the world.)

Panglao Municipal Tourism Officer Leonides Senica said the direct flight removes a longstanding barrier for Japanese visitors.

“By removing the barrier of connecting flights, we are opening a seamless gateway for Japanese travelers to experience our world-class marine biodiversity and cultural heritage,” Senica said.

He said the service is expected to drive high-value tourism, boost resort occupancy, and create economic opportunities across transport, dining and tour sectors.

He added that Japan’s strong culture of environmental stewardship aligns well with Panglao’s sustainable tourism goals. (ECB/PIA-7 Bohol)

Beach chairs and umbrellas line the shore at a Panglao Island resort. A chartered direct flight from Tokyo is set to bring Japanese tourists to Bohol on May 2, with officials eyeing the service as a step toward regular Japan-Bohol air connections through the Bohol-Panglao International Airport. (ECB/PIA-7 Bohol)