Sunlight Air Opens Direct Clark–Tablas Flights, Bringing Romblon Closer to Central Luzon

ODIONGAN, Romblon — Romblon is becoming easier to reach by air as Sunlight Air officially launched its new direct Clark–Tablas route, giving travelers from Central Luzon and beyond a more convenient gateway to the province.

The airline inaugurated the service on August 11, 2026, connecting Clark International Airport (CRK) with Tugdan Airport (TBH) on Tablas Island. The new route operates twice a week, every Tuesday and Saturday, according to the Philippine Information Agency.

Sunlight Air’s official announcement likewise confirmed that the new service began on August 11 and would operate on a biweekly basis, opening a more direct route to Romblon’s beaches, diving destinations and island communities.

A New Air Gateway to Romblon

For travelers accustomed to more complicated connections when visiting Romblon, the new Clark–Tablas service provides another option.

The route links Clark, Pampanga, with Tablas, the largest island in Romblon province. From Tugdan Airport, travelers can continue exploring Tablas and connect with the province’s tourism destinations and local communities.

Sunlight Air lists Tablas among its current destinations and describes the island as an emerging getaway known for scenic coastlines, natural attractions, marine life and a quieter island experience.

The airline’s introductory one-way base fare starts at ₱1,899, although actual fares can vary depending on availability, travel dates and fare conditions.

Flights Every Tuesday and Saturday

The new service is scheduled twice weekly.

Published flight information shows the Clark-to-Tablas service departing Clark around 12:25 p.m. and arriving at Tugdan Airport at about 1:40 p.m. The return flight is scheduled at around 2 p.m., arriving in Clark at approximately 3:10 p.m.

The flights are operated using Sunlight Air’s ATR 72 turboprop aircraft, according to aviation reports and the airline’s route announcement.

Passengers should still verify schedules directly with the airline before traveling because flight times and fares may change.

More Than a New Flight Route

The new connection is significant not only for tourists but also for Romblon’s broader economy.

During the inaugural event, Romblon Lone District Representative Eleandro Jesus “Budoy” Madrona said the direct air service could help increase tourism activity and make the province more accessible to travelers from mainland Luzon.

He also called on local governments, businesses, tourism operators and residents to help sustain the route.

That concern matters because launching a new route is only the beginning. Its long-term success depends heavily on passenger demand and the ability of the local tourism and business sectors to turn improved accessibility into sustained economic activity.

The Philippine Information Agency reported that Madrona specifically pointed to potential benefits for hotels, tourism destinations, businesses and other sectors if the connection is maintained.

Clark’s Growing Role in Regional Air Travel

The Clark–Tablas route also fits into Sunlight Air’s broader strategy of using Clark International Airport as a major operating base.

Sunlight Air has previously shifted its turboprop operations toward Clark, with airport decongestion cited among the reasons behind the move. The airline currently promotes Clark as one of its principal bases while serving several Philippine leisure destinations.

Clark’s location also gives travelers from Central and Northern Luzon another alternative to Manila when flying to regional destinations.

For Romblon, that means the new route could potentially widen the province’s visitor market beyond travelers already familiar with traditional sea and air connections.

Romblon’s Tourism Potential

Romblon has long been known for its beaches, diving areas, island scenery and marble industry. Sunlight Air has highlighted attractions such as White Rock Reef and the province’s marine biodiversity in its promotional material for the new route.

The airline is also positioning Tablas as an island destination that offers a less crowded alternative to some of the Philippines’ more heavily visited tourist spots.

Better air access could therefore make it easier for weekend travelers, domestic tourists, business visitors and tourism investors to reach the province.

But the bigger question is whether demand will be strong enough to keep the route operating for the long term.

The Challenge: Sustaining the Route

The excitement surrounding the inaugural flight is only the first chapter.

For Romblon, the real test will come after the launch: Will enough travelers continue booking the Clark–Tablas flights to make the route commercially sustainable?

That is why local officials are urging residents and tourism stakeholders to support the service.

If passenger demand grows, the new connection could strengthen Romblon’s position in the country’s tourism map. It could also encourage more businesses to invest in accommodations, transportation, tours, restaurants and other visitor services.

If demand remains weak, however, maintaining a regular regional air connection could become more difficult.

For now, Sunlight Air’s twice-weekly service gives travelers a new way to reach Tablas — and gives Romblon an opportunity to turn better connectivity into something much bigger: more visitors, more business and potentially more jobs for local communities.

For travelers planning a trip, Sunlight Air’s official website currently lists Tablas as a destination and allows passengers to check available flights and fares.