PAL Revives Manila-Sapporo Flights

PAL Revives Manila-Sapporo Flights

By Bing Jabadan – TheNationWeek.Com  

July 9, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – Responding to the enduring popularity of Japan as a top travel destination for Filipinos, Philippine Airlines (PAL) has announced the revival of its seasonal nonstop flights between Manila and Sapporo.

Starting Nov. 24, 2025, until March 27, 2026, the service will reconnect the Philippines with the scenic wonders of Hokkaido, offering convenient direct access for Filipino tourists eager to experience Japan’s winter charm.

Japan has long held a special appeal for Filipino travelers, drawn by its crisp, cold weather, delectable cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes.

The Japanese Embassy in Manila’s relatively generous visa policies have further fueled this travel trend.

For many Filipino families, Japan is synonymous with shopping excursions, particularly for chocolate and beauty products.

PAL is now making it even easier to reach one of Japan’s most captivating winter destinations.

The airline will operate nonstop flights to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, utilizing its Airbus A321neo aircraft.

The route will operate every winter season from November to March, catering to the peak travel period.

The 168-seater Airbus A321neo boasts 12 business class seats and 156 economy class seats, ensuring a comfortable journey with extensive inflight entertainment options and Wi-Fi connectivity.

“We are thrilled to announce the reopening of our direct flights from Manila to Sapporo, which will help us strengthen both bilateral relations and cultural ties with our Japanese counterparts,” said PAL President Richard Nuttall.

“This route not only provides a convenient travel option for Filipino tourists and overseas workers but also opens doors for Japanese travelers to explore and experience the Philippines’ vibrant culture and warm hospitality.”

Sapporo is renowned for its world-class skiing resorts and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival, a spectacular event featuring enormous ice sculptures.

The city also offers cultural and culinary adventures that draw tourists during the winter season.

Currently, PAL boasts the most extensive network of destination points and routes between the Philippines and Japan, with nonstop services to Osaka Kansai, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Tokyo Haneda, and Tokyo Narita, as well as direct flights from Cebu to both Osaka Kansai and Tokyo Narita.

PAL previously operated the Manila-Sapporo-Manila route from December 2018 to March 2020.