CebuPac makes first flights to Saudi Arabia

Philippine air carrier Cebu Pacific on Wednesday made its first inaugural nonstop flights between Manila and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.

Flight 5J-740, an Airbus 330, landed at the King Khalid International Airport at 10:30 p.m. with 259 passengers, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Saturday.

“The arrival of Cebu Pacific in the Kingdom is a sign of the enduring friendship between the Philippines and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ezzedin Tago.

Captains Danny Ronquillo and Paul Mendoza piloted the inaugural flight to Riyadh, the DFA said.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the King Khalid International Airport Terminal 1, led by Tago and Otham Al Zamil, director for operations and fire service and Mohammed Al-Sayegh, chief of flight scheduling of King Khalid International Airport.

Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific also made its inaugural flight at the King Fahad International Airport in Dammam, Eastern Province on October 3. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News