History unfolded on the runway of Siquijor Airport last December 15 as the island province welcomed its first-ever commercial flight.
The arrival of Sunlight Air’s inaugural flight marks the culmination of a vision years in the making and signals a major shift for the province’s tourism and economy.
The ATR 72-500 aircraft, carrying 68 passengers, touched down to a celebratory water cannon salute, ending decades of total reliance on sea travel.
Governor Jake Villa, who spearheaded the initiative alongside his father, Congressman Jecoy Villa, hailed the event as a victory that will forever change the tourism and economy for the island province.
“This is the result of our long term efforts, my father and I, from building the airport, to forging partnerships between the Provincial Government and Sunlight Air, Villa said.
“What we have long dreamed of has finally come true. It is a promise fulfilled, a new chapter for Siquijor,” he added.
The new air connectivity allows travelers to experience the renowned “Healing Magic of Siquijor” without enduring hours of travel by land or sea.
Known globally for its traditions of folk healing, pristine white sand beaches, marine sanctuaries, forests, and waterfalls, the island is now more accessible than ever.
By cutting travel time between Cebu and Siquijor to about one hour, the route removes the fatigue of ferry transfers and is expected to significantly boost tourism, stimulating local economic growth.
Sunlight Air now operates nonstop flights four times a week, particularly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
“This achievement reflects the province’s strong commitment to growth and development,” Governor Villa added.
For the local community, seeing a commercial airliner land on home soil was a surreal transformation.
“Before the airport was built, we only saw cows grazing in the area,” shared one resident witnessing the landing. “And now, we see commercial airplanes landing.”
The route was first announced last October 25.
