YuSMP Travel Editorial Team
On 21 October 2026, airline IrAero resumed its seasonal Khabarovsk–Kalibo charter to the Philippines — the gateway to Boracay's beaches. The first flight back after the summer break departed 98% full. It's the carrier's second winter programme on this route: in 2025 IrAero opened Russia's first direct air link with the Philippines, and it's now relaunching for a new season — for travellers from the Far East, and, on the same seasonal basis, from Irkutsk, where the airline is based.
What changed
Before the charter resumed, travellers from Khabarovsk heading to Boracay had to connect through one or two stops — via Moscow or Southeast Asian hubs, for example. Now IrAero is again flying the route directly: the aircraft departs Khabarovsk, makes a technical stop in Hefei, China, and lands in Kalibo on Panay island — about half an hour by ferry from Boracay's beaches. The Khabarovsk International Airport press service confirmed the launch.
Routes and the season's schedule
Flights run on a Sukhoi Superjet 100 seating 100 passengers, once every 10 days throughout the tourist season — through spring 2027, schedule permitting. Flight time is around 9 hours including the technical stop.
IrAero's seasonal Philippines charters, winter 2026/2027
| Departure city | Route | Frequency | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khabarovsk | Khabarovsk – Hefei (technical) – Kalibo | every 10 days | Sukhoi Superjet 100 |
| Irkutsk* | Irkutsk – Kalibo | seasonal programme | Sukhoi Superjet 100 |
* The Irkutsk route, IrAero's home base, was announced by the airline for the same season; check current status and dates with the airline or a tour operator before buying a ticket.
Visa and entry rules for Russians in the Philippines
Russian citizens currently don't need a visa for tourist trips to the Philippines of up to 30 days — a passport valid for at least six more months and a return ticket are enough. Entry rules change from time to time, so check current conditions on the Philippine Bureau of Immigration website or with a consulate before you travel — especially if you plan to stay longer than 30 days, since extensions are handled locally. For the broader picture, see our guide to visa-free countries for Russian travellers.
What to know before you go
Russian Mir cards aren't accepted in the Philippines, and Russian-issued UnionPay cards work unreliably — plan on cash US dollars to exchange for Philippine pesos, plus any other international cards you already hold. Charters like this one are usually sold as part of packages through local tour operators rather than as standalone tickets, so check schedules and fares directly with agencies in Khabarovsk and Irkutsk. If Boracay isn't your only option for a winter trip, compare destinations in our destination catalog or try the season-and-budget match tool; current direct-flight schedules from other Russian cities are in the Airlines section.
Sources
- PRIME, "IrAero resumed seasonal charter flights from Khabarovsk to Kalibo" — 22 October 2026 (citing Khabarovsk Airport's press service)
- Tourprom, "Direct Boracay flight is back: Khabarovsk opens the Philippines season" — 22 October 2026
Entry rules, charter schedules and fares change — check current information with the airline, the tour operator and the Philippines' official visa resources before you travel.
