Philippine Airlines has announced direct tri-weekly flights between Filipnio capital Manila and Seattle in the United States starting October 2 to cater to the growing demand between the two regions.

Philippine Airlines (PAL), the flag carrier of the Philippines, will launch nonstop flights between Manila and Seattle starting October 2.  

In a press statement, PAL says it is the first carrier to link the Philippines and the US Pacific Northwest region with direct flights. This will help stimulate business and leisure travel of US residents to the Philippines. 

The statement adds that over 900,000 Americans visited the Philippines in 2023, making the US the second largest source of tourists. The PAL Manila-Seattle-Manila services will initially operate three times weekly, every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with convenient departures at 22:40 from Manila and at 23:40 from Seattle Tacoma International Airport. 

“Philippine Airlines is happy to say, ‘Mabuhay, Seattle!’ We are proud to welcome Seattle to our growing US route network. Our Manila-Seattle-Manila flights give us a valuable opportunity to promote our beautiful island country as a flourishing tourist and business destination for American travellers. We also look forward to serving Filipinos who hope to reunite with family members or experience new travel adventures in the vibrant US Pacific Northwest,” says PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Captain Stanley K. Ng.

“Congratulations to Philippine Airlines on their latest expansion of US routes with the launch of non-stop service to Seattle. Growth in air passenger traffic post-pandemic requires corresponding enhancements in airport facilities and operations. This new PAL service, which coincides with the expected upgrade of Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport by its new operator, will help boost travel and tourism between both the Philippines and the United States,” says Jaime J Bautista, Philippine Transportation Secretary.

“Washington State is home to the country’s fourth-largest Filipino population. For over 100 years, Filipinos have contributed to the region’s arts, business, and political leadership. Non-stop service to Manila has long been one of our most frequently requested routes, and we’re thrilled that this new flight will not only serve the Puget Sound’s Filipino community but anyone who is interested in exploring the rich history, beauty, and hospitality of the Philippines,” says Port of Seattle Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa.