PAL strengthens US network with nonstop Manila-Chicago flights 

Insider Spotlight

• Philippine Airlines strengthens its North American network with the first nonstop connection between Manila and Chicago, providing direct access to the US Midwest.
• The new route operates three times weekly, serving business travelers, tourists, and Filipino-American communities.
• Chicago becomes PAL's eighth destination across the United States and its territories, supporting opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is expanding its presence in the United States to strengthen connectivity with the Midwest, a major economic region with opportunities in manufacturing, technology, healthcare, education, and international trade.

The flag carrier began operating its first nonstop Manila-Chicago service on Nov. 9, 2026, establishing the first direct air connection between the Philippines and the US Midwest.

The new route provides Filipino travelers and businesses with more convenient access to Chicago, a major aviation and commercial hub connecting neighboring states.

The service is expected to support tourism, trade, investment, and business travel while improving connectivity for Filipino-American communities across Illinois and surrounding areas.

Eighth destination in US 

Chicago becomes PAL's eighth destination across the United States and its territories, further strengthening the airline's North American network.

The expansion reflects PAL's strategy of improving international connectivity and providing direct access to major economic centers.

"For Philippine Airlines, this is a strategic addition to our North American network. It expands our presence to the Midwest and provides more convenient access to one of the largest regional economies in the United States," PAL executive vice president and COO Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez said in a press statement.

"We know that many Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in Chicago, Illinois, and neighboring states have long looked forward to a direct and more convenient connection to the Philippines. We are proud to finally make this possible," he added. 

The Manila-Chicago service operates three times weekly, offering nonstop travel between the two cities.

Direct, convenient connection

PAL said the direct connection reduces travel time by eliminating the need for connecting flights, providing greater convenience for leisure and business passengers.

The inaugural flight departed from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 following a ceremonial send-off attended by PAL executives, government officials, and aviation partners.

The departure also marked the first use of Terminal 1's new remote bus gate facility, highlighting improvements under the airport's modernization program. —Vanessa Hidalgo  | Ed: Miguel R. Camus