Insider Spotlight
Philippine Airlines to restart seasonal nonstop Manila-Sapporo serviceFlights to operate three times weekly from Nov. 23, 2026 to March 26, 2027PAL positions Sapporo as alternative winter destination for FilipinosAirline also expanding Osaka and Narita frequencies during peak holidays Philippine Airlines (PAL) will resume its seasonal nonstop flights between Manila and Sapporo for the 2026 winter travel season, as the flag carrier strengthens its Japan network amid sustained demand for leisure and cargo travel.
The airline said the route will operate three times weekly from Nov. 23, 2026 to March 26, 2027, connecting Manila directly to New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido. PAL said the service is designed to provide Filipino travelers with a faster and more convenient option for winter travel to northern Japan.
Sapporo has become increasingly popular among travelers seeking alternatives to Japan’s traditional holiday destinations, driven by its winter scenery, snow festivals and culinary attractions. PAL said the route also caters to repeat visitors looking for new seasonal experiences during the year-end travel period.
PAL will deploy its A321neo aircraft on the route, delivering a full-service travel experience. Passengers can expect Business Class seating, inflight entertainment, Wi-Fi connectivity, and thoughtfully curated onboard service—hallmarks of the airline’s full-service offering designed to provide comfort and convenience on medium-haul routes. | Contributed photo
Why it matters
The restart of the Sapporo route underscores the continued recovery and expansion of international leisure travel, particularly between the Philippines and Japan, one of PAL’s strongest overseas markets.
The airline said the nonstop service eliminates the need for multiple flight connections, helping reduce overall travel time. Morning departures from Manila and midday arrivals in Sapporo are expected to appeal to tourists maximizing short winter vacations.
PAL will deploy its Airbus A321neo aircraft for the route, offering Business Class seating, inflight entertainment and Wi-Fi connectivity as part of its full-service product.
By the numbers
PAL currently operates nonstop flights from the Philippines to Osaka Kansai, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Tokyo Haneda and Tokyo Narita, including direct services from Cebu to Osaka and Narita. The carrier said it maintains the largest network between the Philippines and Japan.
To capture stronger holiday demand, PAL will also increase frequencies on its Manila-Osaka and Manila-Narita routes from Dec. 19 to Jan. 11.
The airline added that the Sapporo route will support rising cargo demand between Japan and the Philippines by increasing capacity for goods movement alongside passenger traffic.
Promotional materials included in the announcement showed one-way economy base fares starting at $253, exclusive of taxes and fees. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
AloJapan.com