Philippine Airlines (PAL) is set to resume its seasonal nonstop flights between Manila and Sapporo for the 2026 winter travel season, capitalizing on the surging demand for alternative Japanese holiday destinations among Filipino tourists.
The flag carrier announced that the thrice-weekly service connecting Manila to New Chitose Airport will run from November 23, 2026, until March 26, 2027. The revived route restores direct access to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, during its peak winter tourism period.
According to PAL, the nonstop service aims to capture travelers looking beyond traditional hotspots like Tokyo and Osaka. Sapporo has seen a steady rise in popularity, drawing visitors with its iconic snow landscapes, winter festivals, and distinct culinary scene.
By eliminating the hassle of layovers and multiple flight connections, the direct route significantly cuts travel time. The airline structured the schedule with morning departures from Manila and midday arrivals in Sapporo to help passengers maximize their itineraries.
PAL will deploy its Airbus A321neo aircraft for the route, featuring a full-service experience that includes business class seating, inflight entertainment, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
The return of the Sapporo route is part of a broader expansion of PAL’s Japan network ahead of the year-end holidays. To accommodate the Christmas and New Year rush, the airline will also boost flight frequencies on its Manila-Osaka and Manila-Tokyo Narita routes from December 19 to January 11.
Currently, PAL operates nonstops from the Philippines to Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Tokyo Haneda, and Tokyo Narita, which includes direct flights from Cebu to Osaka and Narita.
Beyond tourism, the airline expects the Sapporo route to cater to growing cargo demand and further solidify economic and bilateral ties between Japan and the Philippines.