Flying to Siquijor in 2026: Complete Commercial Flights Guide

A New Way to Reach the Mystic Island

For decades, getting to Siquijor meant one thing: a ferry ride. Whether you came from Dumaguete, Cebu, or Bohol, the journey always involved ocean crossings that ranged from pleasant to stomach-churning depending on the weather and the vessel. That changed in late 2025 when the first commercial flight touched down at Siquijor Airport, marking a historic shift in how travelers can access this small Visayan island.

Commercial air service to Siquijor reduces what was typically a full-day journey from Manila into roughly one hour of flight time plus ground transfers. For travelers with limited vacation days or those who simply prefer to avoid sea travel, this development is significant. But it also raises questions: how reliable are the flights, what should you expect at Siquijor’s small airport, and does flying actually make sense for every type of traveler?

This guide covers everything you need to know about flying to Siquijor in 2026.

Background: Siquijor Airport

Siquijor Airport (airport code: SQJ) sits in the municipality of Siquijor, the provincial capital, near the main port area. The airport has existed for years as a small airstrip used primarily for private and charter flights. Its runway, while functional, was not equipped for regular commercial operations until recent infrastructure improvements made scheduled service viable.

The runway has been extended and resurfaced, and basic terminal facilities have been added to accommodate commercial passengers. Do not expect anything resembling a major airport terminal. Siquijor Airport is modest by any standard — a small building with check-in counters, a waiting area, and basic amenities. This is part of its charm and also something to plan around.

The airport’s location near Siquijor town center is convenient. From the airport, most accommodations on the island are reachable within 15 to 45 minutes by motorcycle or tricycle.

Airlines and Routes

As of early 2026, commercial service to Siquijor is operated by regional carriers using turboprop aircraft suited to the island’s runway length. The primary route connects Siquijor to Cebu, with the flight taking approximately 35 to 45 minutes.

Service frequency and operators are still evolving as airlines assess demand and adjust schedules. In the initial months, flights have operated several times per week rather than daily. This is typical for new regional routes in the Philippines — airlines start conservatively and increase frequency as passenger numbers grow.

Key points about current service:

• Aircraft type: Small turboprop planes with limited seating capacity (typically 40 to 70 seats depending on the operator)
• Primary route: Cebu (Mactan-Cebu International Airport) to Siquijor
• Flight time: Approximately 35 to 45 minutes
• Frequency: Several flights per week (check current schedules as this changes)
• Baggage: Limited luggage allowances compared to larger aircraft — typically 7 kg carry-on and 10 to 15 kg checked baggage

Because the route is new and schedules are subject to change, always verify current flight availability directly with the airline before building your travel plans around a specific departure.

Booking Tips

Book Early

Siquijor flights use small aircraft with limited seats. Popular travel periods — weekends, Philippine holidays, and the dry season peak (March to May) — can sell out well in advance. Book as early as possible, especially if your travel dates are not flexible.

Check Multiple Sources

Flight schedules and availability may not always appear on major booking aggregator sites immediately. Check the airline’s own website or app directly for the most current information. Travel agencies specializing in Philippine domestic routes can also be helpful.

Have a Backup Plan

This cannot be stressed enough. Commercial flights to Siquijor are new, and cancellations can happen due to weather, mechanical issues, or low passenger numbers. Always have a ferry backup plan in mind. If your flight is cancelled, you can typically reach Siquijor via Dumaguete (ferry from Cebu or flight from Manila) and then a short ferry crossing.

Flexible Dates Help

If your schedule allows flexibility, you are more likely to find available seats and better fares. Midweek flights tend to be less crowded than weekend departures.

What to Expect at Siquijor Airport

Arrival

Landing at Siquijor Airport is an experience in itself. The approach offers aerial views of the island’s coastline, the deep blue waters of the Bohol Sea, and the green interior hills. After landing, deplaning happens via stairs directly onto the tarmac — there are no jet bridges.

The terminal building is small and straightforward. Baggage claim is manual and quick given the small number of passengers per flight. Exit the terminal and you will find tricycles and motorcycles waiting to take you to your accommodation.

Departure

Arrive at the airport well ahead of your flight time. Check-in counters may open only one to two hours before departure, but arriving early ensures you are not caught off guard by any procedural delays. Security screening is basic but follows standard Philippine aviation protocols.

There are limited food and drink options at the airport. Bring water and snacks, especially if you are departing during off-hours.

Ground Transportation

From Siquijor Airport, transportation options include:

• Tricycle: Available outside the terminal. Negotiate the fare before boarding. Expect to pay 100 to 300 PHP depending on distance.
• Motorcycle taxi (habal-habal): Cheaper than tricycles for solo travelers. Fares range from 50 to 200 PHP.
• Hotel pickup: Some resorts and hotels offer airport pickup if arranged in advance. This is the most convenient option, especially if you are staying far from the airport.
• Motorcycle rental: Rental shops in Siquijor town can deliver a motorcycle to you near the airport. Arrange this before your arrival.

Flying vs. Ferry: A Practical Comparison

The question most travelers will ask is straightforward: should I fly or take the ferry? The answer depends on your priorities.

Time

Flying wins decisively on speed. A direct flight from Cebu to Siquijor takes under an hour. The ferry alternative typically involves a flight or bus to Dumaguete (if coming from Manila, that alone takes 1.5 hours by air), followed by a 1 to 1.5-hour ferry crossing. Total travel time from Manila via ferry can easily consume 6 to 10 hours including transfers and waiting times.

From Cebu specifically, the ferry route to Siquijor (via Dumaguete or direct from Liloan/Tagbilaran) takes 4 to 8 hours depending on the route and vessel.

Cost

Ferries are cheaper. Ferry fares from Dumaguete to Siquijor range from 150 to 500 PHP depending on the vessel and class. Even adding a flight from Manila to Dumaguete, the total cost is often lower than a direct route involving a Cebu-Siquijor flight, which may be priced at a premium due to limited competition and small aircraft economics.

However, when you factor in the value of saved time, the cost equation shifts. A full day spent traveling is a day not spent exploring Siquijor.

Reliability

Ferries currently offer more reliability through redundancy. Multiple ferry operators run multiple daily departures from Dumaguete to Siquijor. If one ferry is cancelled, another usually departs within a few hours. Flight cancellations, on the other hand, may mean waiting days for the next available departure or reverting to the ferry route anyway.

As flight frequency increases and the route matures, this reliability gap should narrow.

Comfort

This is subjective. Some travelers love the ocean crossing — watching flying fish, feeling the sea breeze, arriving by boat as travelers have done for centuries. Others find ferries uncomfortable, especially in rough weather when seasickness becomes a factor.

Flights are quick and air-conditioned but involve smaller aircraft that can be bumpy in turbulent conditions. Neither option is luxurious, but both are perfectly serviceable.

Luggage

Ferries allow more luggage. There are no practical weight limits on ferry baggage — you can bring surfboards, dive gear, large backpacks, and multiple bags without concern. Flight baggage limits are restrictive, and excess baggage fees can add up quickly. If you are traveling with heavy or bulky gear, the ferry is more practical.

Connecting Flights

For international travelers or those coming from Manila, the most practical air route to Siquijor involves a connection in Cebu.

Manila to Cebu: Multiple airlines operate this route with numerous daily departures. Flight time is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia Philippines all serve this route.

Cebu to Siquijor: Connect to the regional flight at Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Allow adequate connection time — at least 2 to 3 hours between flights, more if your incoming flight is on a different airline than the Siquijor departure.

Alternative via Dumaguete: You can also fly Manila to Dumaguete (multiple daily flights, about 1 hour 15 minutes) and then take a ferry to Siquijor. This route has been the standard for years and remains reliable.

Practical Tips for Air Travelers

Weight your bags at home. Small aircraft have strict weight limits. Know exactly how much your luggage weighs before arriving at the airport. Overweight fees on regional carriers can be disproportionately expensive.

Carry essentials in your hand luggage. If your checked bag is delayed or misplaced (rare but possible with small operations), having medications, a change of clothes, and important documents in your carry-on prevents immediate problems.

Confirm your flight 24 hours before departure. Call the airline or check online. Schedule changes happen, and you do not want to arrive at the airport for a flight that has been moved to a different day.

Bring cash. Siquijor has limited ATM availability. If you are flying in, have enough Philippine pesos for at least your first few days. Airport ground transportation is cash only.

Download offline maps. Mobile data coverage on Siquijor has improved but remains inconsistent in some areas. Download Google Maps or Maps.me offline maps before you arrive so you can navigate even without signal.

The New Ecological Fee

Starting February 1, 2026, all visitors to Siquijor are required to pay a Tourism Ecological Fee upon arrival. This applies whether you arrive by air or sea. The fee supports environmental conservation and sustainability programs on the island.

Air passengers should be prepared to pay this fee at the airport upon arrival. Have the correct amount in Philippine pesos ready. Details about the fee amount and payment process should be confirmed with your airline or accommodation provider before travel, as implementation procedures are still being standardized.

Impact on Tourism

Commercial flights to Siquijor represent a turning point for the island’s tourism industry. Easier access will inevitably bring more visitors, which carries both opportunities and concerns.

On the positive side, increased visitor numbers support local businesses, create employment, and provide revenue for infrastructure improvements. The ecological fee mechanism helps ensure that tourism growth contributes to environmental protection rather than undermining it.

The concern, shared by many long-term residents and repeat visitors, is that Siquijor’s appeal has always been rooted in its relative remoteness and unhurried atmosphere. The difficulty of getting there was, in a sense, a natural filter that kept visitor numbers manageable and attracted a particular type of traveler — one willing to take slow ferries and embrace island time.

Whether commercial flights change the character of Siquijor remains to be seen. The island’s small airport and limited flight capacity provide a natural check on sudden tourism explosions. But the trajectory is clear: Siquijor is becoming more accessible, and the island must navigate the balance between economic development and environmental preservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a same-day round trip flight to Siquijor? Currently, same-day round trips by air are not practical due to limited flight frequency. Plan for at least an overnight stay, though Siquijor deserves several days to explore properly.

Is there a VIP lounge at Siquijor Airport? No. The terminal is basic with limited facilities. Bring what you need.

Can I charter a private flight to Siquijor? Yes, private charter flights to Siquijor have been available longer than commercial service. Contact aviation charter companies in Cebu or Manila for quotes. This option is expensive but provides schedule flexibility.

What happens if my flight is cancelled? Head to Dumaguete (approximately 3 hours by land from Cebu, or via a separate flight) and take a ferry to Siquijor. This backup route is well-established and reliable.

Are there flights from Manila direct to Siquijor? As of early 2026, there are no direct Manila-Siquijor flights. All air routes involve a connection, typically through Cebu.

Looking Ahead

The arrival of commercial flights marks Siquijor’s transition from a hidden gem to a more mainstream destination. For travelers, this means more options and greater convenience. For the island, it means navigating growth while preserving the qualities that make Siquijor worth visiting in the first place.

Whether you choose to fly or take the ferry, Siquijor rewards those who arrive with patience and curiosity. The mode of transportation matters far less than the spirit in which you explore the island once you get there.