Philippine Airlines Reconnects Manila & Sapporo with Winter Flights

Philippine Airlines Resumes Manila-Sapporo Seasonal Service

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has officially relaunched its seasonal nonstop flights between Manila and Sapporo, with the inaugural service departing Ninoy Aquino International Airport on November 24, 2025. The service marks a significant expansion of the carrier’s Japan network and reflects growing demand for direct connectivity between Southeast Asia’s major hub and Japan’s winter tourism destinations.

Operational Details and Fleet

The carrier will operate the Manila-Sapporo route through March 27, 2026, with three weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. All flights utilize Philippine Airlines’ Airbus A321neo fleet, configured with 168 total seats comprising 12 business class and 156 economy class positions. The modern narrow-body aircraft features onboard Wi-Fi connectivity and comprehensive inflight entertainment systems, providing premium passenger experience across both cabin classes.

Schedule and Flight Times

Outbound flight PR 406 departs Manila at 06:30, arriving at Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport (CTS) at 12:15 local time. The return service, PR 405, departs Sapporo at 13:15, landing in Manila at 18:15 the same day. This favorable schedule enables seamless same-day connections for both Filipino and Japanese travelers, enhancing the route’s commercial viability.

Strategic Market Positioning

PAL President Richard Nuttall emphasized the significance of the relaunch, stating: “By relaunching this seasonal route, we are opening a gateway for travelers to experience Philippine Airlines’ world-class service and signature heartfelt hospitality while supporting demand for flights between the two destinations.”

The Manila-Sapporo service bolsters PAL’s dominant position in the Philippines-Japan market. The carrier now maintains the region’s most extensive Japan network, including nonstop services from Manila to Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT), Osaka Kansai (KIX), Nagoya Chubu (NGO), and Fukuoka (FUK). Additionally, PAL operates direct flights from Cebu (CEB) to both Osaka Kansai and Tokyo Narita, reinforcing its status as the leading Philippine carrier across Japan’s major metropolitan areas.

Winter Tourism and Market Demand

Sapporo, capital of Japan’s Hokkaido prefecture, represents a significant winter tourism draw for Filipino travelers. The city’s renowned attractions include premier ski resorts and the internationally recognized annual Snow Festival. Beyond winter sports, Sapporo’s distinctive culinary offerings—featuring signature ramen, soup curry, and premium fresh seafood—provide substantial appeal during the Northern Hemisphere holiday season.

Conversely, Japanese tourists benefit from direct, connection-free access to Philippine destinations, eliminating transfers through alternative Asian hubs. This reciprocal market opportunity strengthens the route’s commercial fundamentals during peak winter demand periods.

Industry Implications

The route resumption reflects broader trends in Asian aviation recovery and sustained demand for point-to-point connectivity. Seasonal services remain critical for carriers seeking to optimize capacity deployment while capturing peak-demand periods without maintaining year-round commitments. PAL’s strategic focus on Japan—the Philippines’ second-largest tourism market—underscores the carrier’s commitment to serving high-yield leisure and business segments.

Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764102540380-938