Philippine Airlines sets Nov. 9 launch for Manila–Chicago route

Insider Spotlight

• Philippine Airlines will begin nonstop Manila-Chicago service on Nov. 9, expanding its US footprint to eight destinations.
• The route gives PAL a direct link to the US Midwest while strengthening passenger and cargo connections through Manila.
• The launch comes as the airline also adds more Los Angeles and Seattle flights to meet rising trans-Pacific demand.
  
  
  

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is expanding its US network with the launch of its first nonstop service between Manila and Chicago, reinforcing its push to capture growing trans-Pacific travel demand.

The new route will begin on Nov. 9 and will become PAL’s eighth destination across the United States and its territories, joining Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Guam and Saipan.

Why it matters

The Chicago service gives the flag carrier a direct gateway to the US Midwest, a market with strong Filipino community ties, business travel potential and cargo opportunities. It also strengthens PAL’s position as the Southeast Asian airline with the broadest network linking the region to the US mainland and island territories.

“Chicago is considered one of the premier hubs in the United States, and our entry into this vibrant city will provide direct connectivity to the Midwest,” Richard Nuttall, president of PAL, said in a press statement April 16, 206. 

“At the same time, serving the Chicago–Manila corridor will create vital links to key regional destinations and major Philippine domestic markets through our Manila hub,” he added. 

The details

PAL said the flights will run three times weekly every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Departures from Manila are scheduled in the afternoon, arriving at Chicago O’Hare International Airport later the same day in local time. Return flights will leave Chicago in the evening and arrive in Manila early morning.

The route will be served by Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which PAL said will offer full-service amenities including onboard dining, baggage allowance and cabin comfort across all classes.

To mark the launch, the airline is offering roundtrip Economy base fares starting at $667 for bookings made from April 16 to May 31, 2026.

Bigger picture

The Chicago expansion comes as PAL ramps up its broader US operations. Starting June 1, flights between Manila and Los Angeles will rise from 14 to 18 per week. Seattle service, now at five weekly flights, will increase to six weekly flights in June and July.

PAL also operates daily flights to San Francisco, three weekly services to New York, five weekly flights to Honolulu, daily flights to Guam and twice-weekly services to Saipan and Palau. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma