Vietnam Joins USA, Japan, and More as Philippine Airlines Expands with New Non-Stop Flights to Saipan, Da Nang, Seattle, and Sapporo in 2025 and 2026

Published on December 21, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is significantly expanding its route network with new non-stop international and domestic services that will connect the Philippines with key destinations in the United States, Vietnam, Japan, and the Northern Mariana Islands. These routes, announced for 2025 and 2026, promise to offer more direct flight options for travelers heading to popular global and regional destinations. This expansion includes new connections from Manila, Cebu, and Clark, increasing both international and domestic accessibility.

What Are the New Routes?

PAL’s new non-stop routes are designed to cater to the growing demand for direct international and regional travel, with new services launching to destinations across the Philippines, Vietnam, Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Here’s a breakdown of the new services:

International Non-Stop Routes:

1. Manila – Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands): PAL will restart its non-stop service to Saipan in March 2026, offering twice-weekly flights. This marks Saipan as PAL’s seventh U.S. destination, providing easier access to the Northern Mariana Islands.
2. Manila – Da Nang (Vietnam): Non-stop flights from Manila to Da Nang, Vietnam, commenced on July 1, 2025. This new route operates thrice a week, linking the Philippines with the coastal city of Da Nang, known for its beaches, resorts, and cultural attractions.
3. Cebu – Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam): The new direct flights from Cebu to Ho Chi Minh City launched on May 2, 2025. This is the first-ever non-stop connection between the Visayas region of the Philippines and southern Vietnam, boosting tourism and business ties between the two regions.
4. Manila – Seattle (USA): The Manila-Seattle route, launched in late 2024, was expanded to five weekly flights starting November 25, 2025, due to increased demand. This service strengthens the connection between the Philippines and the U.S. Pacific Northwest.
5. Manila – Sapporo (Japan): PAL resumed its seasonal non-stop service to Sapporo, Japan, on November 24, 2025, with flights operating through March 27, 2026. This route caters to winter travelers seeking Hokkaido’s ski resorts and hot springs.

Domestic Non-Stop Routes:

1. Clark – Siargao & Clark – Basco: These popular domestic routes were upgraded to daily non-stop services on May 1, 2025, offering more convenient travel options for visitors to Siargao and Basco from Central Luzon.
2. Cebu – Borongan: Additional frequencies were added in September 2025 to meet regional demand, particularly during peak festival seasons, enhancing connectivity between Cebu and Borongan.

When Will These Routes Begin?

Many of PAL’s new non-stop services have already launched or are set to launch soon. The Cebu–Ho Chi Minh City route started in May 2025, while Manila–Da Nang flights began in July 2025. The Clark–Siargao and Clark–Basco routes became daily non-stop services from May 1, 2025. Meanwhile, Manila–Seattle expanded in November 2025 to meet growing demand. The Manila–Saipan service will begin in March 2026, and Sapporo flights resumed in November 2025 for the winter season.

Where Are These Routes Serving?

The new international routes primarily serve travelers between the Philippines and destinations in Vietnam, Japan, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the United States. The Saipan route expands PAL’s U.S. presence, connecting travelers from the Philippines to the Pacific region. Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City offer direct access to major cities in Vietnam, while Sapporo caters to winter sports enthusiasts. The Seattle route serves the growing Filipino-American community in the Pacific Northwest.

Domestic routes like Clark–Siargao and Clark–Basco provide easy access to the popular tourist destinations of Siargao and Basco, while the Cebu–Borongan route supports regional festivals and tourism.

How Is PAL Supporting These Expansions?

To support these new routes, Philippine Airlines has bolstered its fleet with the delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000 on December 20, 2025. This aircraft, designed for long-haul flights, will be crucial in servicing routes like Seattle and other transpacific destinations. The A350-1000 is part of PAL’s broader fleet expansion plan to accommodate the rising demand for non-stop flights, especially for long-haul destinations.

Why Is This Expansion Important?

This expansion is an essential step for PAL to cater to the growing demand for both international and domestic travel. With the easing of travel restrictions and the rebound in global tourism, Philippine Airlines aims to provide more non-stop options that reduce travel time and enhance convenience for passengers. The new routes also reflect PAL’s commitment to strengthening the Philippines’ connectivity to key global markets while promoting regional tourism.

Conclusion: A New Era of Travel with Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airlines’ expanded network in 2025 and 2026 signifies a new chapter in the airline’s journey to connect the Philippines with the world. With new non-stop flights to destinations like Saipan, Da Nang, Seattle, and Sapporo, PAL is offering travelers more direct, efficient options. The airline’s investment in modern aircraft, including the Airbus A350-1000, further enhances its long-haul capabilities, setting the stage for future growth. Whether traveling for business, leisure, or connecting with family, Philippine Airlines is making it easier than ever to explore the world.