Overview
Tucked on the south-east coast of Panay Island, Iloilo City is one of the Philippines' most underrated destinations — a heritage-rich city known for its Spanish-colonial churches, riverside promenade and some of the best food in the Western Visayas. It's also the gateway to the postcard-perfect Islas de Gigantes. For UK travellers, flights to Iloilo mean a genuine taste of provincial Filipino life without the crowds of Manila or Cebu.
Best time to fly to Iloilo
The dry season, from November to May, is the best window for flights to Iloilo, with December to February bringing the coolest, most comfortable temperatures. January is especially popular thanks to the Dinagyang Festival, one of the country's biggest street festivals, so book ahead if you want to travel then. June to October is the wetter, more humid season, with a chance of typhoons — fares can dip during these months, so check the price charts on this page if you're flexible.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights to Iloilo from the UK. Philippine Airlines operates a nonstop service between London Heathrow and Manila, making it a natural choice for UK travellers, with a same-airline domestic connection onward to Iloilo. Alternatively, Gulf and Asian hub carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines fly UK departure points to Manila or Cebu, from where Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific or AirAsia complete the final domestic leg — a flight of around 1 hour 10 minutes. All told, expect a total journey time of roughly 17–20 hours depending on your routing and layover.
Things to do in Iloilo
Iloilo rewards visitors with heritage architecture, warm hospitality and superb food.
- Miagao Church: a UNESCO World Heritage fortress-church famed for its striking baroque facade.
- Calle Real: a beautifully preserved strip of early-20th-century shophouses in the city centre.
- Iloilo River Esplanade: a scenic riverside walk popular for evening strolls and local street food.
- Islas de Gigantes: a cluster of unspoilt islands reachable via a day trip, known for white-sand coves and fresh seafood.
- Dinagyang Festival: a spectacular tribal dance festival held every January, one of the Philippines' finest cultural celebrations.
At Iloilo International Airport (ILO)
Iloilo International Airport sits in Cabatuan, around 20km north of the city centre. Taxis and Grab are the easiest way in, taking roughly 30–45 minutes depending on traffic, while shuttle vans and public jeepneys also run into town for those on a tighter budget.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Iloilo
- Book your flights to Iloilo 3–5 months ahead for the best fares, especially around the January festival season — use the When to book chart above to spot the sweet spot.
- Flying midweek (Tuesday/Wednesday) is typically cheaper than weekend departures.
- Stay flexible on dates where possible — shifting by even a few days either side can unlock a noticeably lower fare.
- Compare routings via Manila and Cebu, as connection times and prices can vary significantly between airlines.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders can enter the Philippines visa-free for stays of up to 30 days for tourism, provided your passport is valid for at least six months beyond arrival and you hold a return or onward ticket. The currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP), though it's worth carrying some cash as card acceptance is patchy outside city centres. No specific vaccinations are mandatory for UK travellers, but it's sensible to check current NHS travel health advice before you fly.
