Key facts
- Launch date
- August 11, 2026
- Route
- Clark International Airport to Tablas, Romblon
- Frequency
- Every Tuesday and Saturday
- Introductory fare
- P1,899 one-way base fare
- Aircraft
- ATR 72-500 and ATR 72-600
- Occasion
- Sunlight Air's 7th anniversary
Background
Sunlight Air, a Philippine boutique airline, is expanding its network with a new route connecting Clark International Airport to Tablas, Romblon. The service is scheduled to launch on August 11, 2026, as part of the airline's 7th anniversary celebration.
The route will operate every Tuesday and Saturday, with an introductory one-way base fare of P1,899. The airline will use its fleet of ATR 72-500 and ATR 72-600 aircraft, which are suited for the island's smaller runways.
This new route echoes Sunlight Air's early operations, when it first launched flights from Manila to Busuanga, Coron. Similar to Coron's airport, Tablas has limited runway capacity, making the smaller turboprop aircraft ideal for the service.
Current situation
Tablas is the largest of the three main islands in Romblon province, which also includes Romblon Island and Sibuyan Island. Known as the 'Marble Capital of the Philippines,' the island is rich in marble deposits and home to skilled artisans producing world-class marble crafts, statues, and tiles.
Tourists can visit Binucot Beach, described as the most famous beach in Tablas, or Bonbon Beach, which was named one of the world's Top 50 Beaches of 2025. Calatrava island hopping offers access to Lapus-Lapus Beach, Cove Aurelio Beach, and Tinagong Dagat, a saltwater lagoon.
Romblon is also known for snorkeling and dive sites, including Three P House Reef, Blue Hole at the northern tip of Tablas, Bonbon Sea Grass Valley, and White Rock Reef, which features underwater caves.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Launch date | August 11, 2026 |
| Route | Clark International Airport to Tablas, Romblon |
| Frequency | Every Tuesday and Saturday |
| Introductory one-way base fare | P1,899 |
| Aircraft types | ATR 72-500 and ATR 72-600 |
Impacts
The new flights are expected to make travel to Tablas more convenient for tourists, particularly those from Central Luzon and nearby regions, by providing a direct connection from Clark International Airport.
The route may boost local tourism and the marble industry, as easier access could attract more visitors to the island's beaches, dive sites, and artisan workshops. Local businesses, including resorts, dive centers, and souvenir shops, could see increased patronage.
Travelers seeking a quieter alternative to nearby Boracay may find Tablas appealing, as the island is described as 'refreshingly untouched by commercialization.'
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the route performs well, Sunlight Air may consider increasing flight frequency or adding other destinations in the region, though no such plans have been announced.
The success of the service could depend on passenger demand and operational performance. If demand is strong, the introductory fare may be extended or adjusted; if not, the airline might revise its schedule.
The route could also encourage other airlines to consider serving Tablas, potentially increasing competition and travel options for passengers, but this remains speculative at this stage.
Source: punto.com.ph
