Air traffic closing in on new record high

Philippine air traffic is on pace to set a new record in the post-pandemic period, especially as the international segment is close to touching 2019 levels, according to the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB).

- By ELIJAH FELICE ROSALES

Based on CAB data, air travel in the Philippines has reached 46.84 million passengers as of September, which is 78 percent of last year's 59.91 million.

Broken down, domestic passenger volume has hit 24.95 million, which is roughly seven million shy of the 2024 total, and airlines expect to finish on a high note as demand tends to peak in the fourth quarter.

Likewise, international passenger traffic is flirting with the 22-million level, putting it on track to record a new post-pandemic high. The Philippines is seeing a surge in international travel, thanks to the arrival of new carriers and launch of more routes.

Locally, low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific is dominating the competition, cornering 55 percent of the market. Cebu Pacific, together with its regional carrier Cebgo, has flown 13.62 million domestic passengers as of September.

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) accounted for 30 percent with 7.42 million, while budget operator AirAsia Philippines landed at 14 percent with 3.4 million.