Maasin airport in Southern Leyte in the Philippines has welcomed its first scheduled operations with Air Juan Aviation (AO, Manila Ninoy Aquino International) offering flights to Cebu and Panglao aboard Cessna (single turboprop) Grand Caravan EX aircraft. The airport was not expected to be open to commercial operations before 2019.

The flight also marks the inauguration of Cebu as a hub for Air Juan, which plans to expand its offerings at the airport due to its strategic position in terms of trade and tourism, reports The Sun Star.

"Our goal is to connect the islands in the country, and bring guests to the country's most beautiful and less-chartered destinations. We want every tourist to experience our over 7,000 islands," said Paolo Misa, Air Juan's head of marketing.

Maasin city has in the past been connected to Cebu by a fast boat, and the air connection will complement that service. Local congressman Roger G. Mercado says the completion of the airport – after decades of uncertainty – is a milestone in his career.

"With its completion, economic development for the whole province will now be sustained, and I can now retire from politics once it is completed," he said.