ROUTES - Philippines' Sunlight Air to end Manila ops in late 1Q26

Sunlight Air (2R, Manila Ninoy Aquino International) will transfer its operations from Manila Ninoy Aquino International to Angeles City Clark International effective March 29, 2026, complying with a government mandate to reduce congestion at the capital's main gateway.

Consequently, the airline will cease its daily Manila-Cebu service.

Manila Slot Coordination Committee (MSCC) Resolution 2025-02, issued on July 29, 2025, requires the relocation of turboprop aircraft from the country's primary hub to maximise runway slots for larger jet aircraft.

Sunlight Air joins fellow domestic operators Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air in ending turboprop operations in the capital. Both the flag carrier and the low-cost carrier have announced they will transfer their respective turboprop operations, flown by PAL Express, Cebgo, and AirSWIFT, to Clark by the March 29 deadline.

Based on ch-aviation data, Sunlight Air operates two ATR72-500s and one ATR72-600, which are being flown to six destinations across the Philippines, including Del Carmen (Siargao), Busuanga, and Caticlan.

CH Aviation