Insider Spotlight
- Philippine Airlines to open direct Manila–Palau (Koror) route in March 2026
- Twice-weekly night flights timed for easy Asia and domestic connections
- Special roundtrip fares from $499 economy and $1,239 business
Philippine Airlines (PAL) is adding Palau to its Pacific network, launching new nonstop flights between Manila and Koror starting March 29, 2026.
The flag carrier will operate the service twice weekly, further expanding its presence in Micronesia and the broader Western Pacific.
Why it matters
The route links Manila to one of the region’s most sought-after dive and beach destinations, giving Philippine and Asian travelers easier access to Palau’s lagoons, reefs, and marine sanctuaries.
It also strengthens PAL’s role as a hub carrier channeling tourists from major Asian cities and select Philippine provinces into high-value island destinations.
“Creating flights to this Pacific island will stimulate tourism travel among beach lovers and the diving community. Travelers can expect world-class service on board their flights combined with Philippine Airlines’ renowned Filipino heartfelt care,” Richard Nuttall, PAL president, said in a press release on Dec. 4, 2025.
The details
Beginning March 29, Manila–Palau flights will depart Ninoy Aquino International Airport every Wednesday and Sunday at 10:15 p.m., arriving in Koror at 2:00 a.m. local time.
Return services from Palau to Manila will operate Mondays and Thursdays, leaving at 3:10 a.m. and landing at 4:55 a.m., giving passengers early-morning arrivals in Manila for onward domestic and regional connections.
PAL will deploy a 199-seat Airbus A321ceo in dual-class configuration, offering business and economy cabins tailored to leisure and diving groups as well as corporate travelers.
To stimulate demand, PAL is rolling out introductory roundtrip economy base fares from $499 and business class base fares from $1,239 for tickets bought until Dec. 18, covering travel from March 29, 2026 and beyond.
Zoom out
The Palau service complements PAL’s existing Western Pacific route to Guam and supports the carrier’s broader strategy of linking Manila to niche, experience-driven island markets.
PAL, Asia’s first commercial airline, now flies to 31 domestic and 39 international destinations and recently earned an APEX Four Star rating while topping Asia-Pacific on-time performance from August to October 2025, according to Cirium. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
