8 hours ago
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Philippine Airlines (PAL) has officially launched its first-ever nonstop flights between Manila and Chicago, establishing a historic direct air connection between the Philippines and the U.S. Midwest.
In front, from left: Gregory Harris, Commercial Counselor, U.S. Commercial Service Philippines, U.S. Embassy Manila; Sharyn Fitzgerald, Counselor for Economic Affairs, U.S. Embassy Manila; Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Philippine Airlines; Hon. Maria Bernardita “Dita” Angara-Mathay, Secretary, Department of Tourism (DOT); Lucio C. Tan III, President and Chief Operating Officer, PAL Holdings, Inc.; Angelito Alvarez, General Manager, New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC); Cesar Chiong, Executive Assistant to the President and CEO, NNIC; Atty. Maria Elben S.L. Moro, Deputy Executive Director, Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB); and Alfred Adriano, Vice President for Airport Operations, Philippine Airlines, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the inaugural airport send-off of PAL’s maiden Manila-Chicago flight at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1, alongside other PAL executives.
The inaugural flight departed from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on November 9, 2026, marking a major expansion of the flag carrier’s North American network and giving Filipino travelers a more convenient way to reach one of America’s major metropolitan centers.
The launch ceremony brought together key aviation and government officials, including PAL Holdings, Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer Lucio C. Tan III, PAL Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton, Department of Tourism Secretary Bernardita “Dita” Angara-Mathay, and representatives from the Civil Aeronautics Board and New NAIA Infrastructure Corp.
Manila-Chicago Flights Strengthen Philippine Airlines’ U.S. Network
The new Manila-Chicago route operates three times weekly, offering a direct connection between the Philippine capital and one of the most important economic and transportation hubs in the United States.
Chicago is a major center for business, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, education, and culture. Its strategic location also makes it a key gateway to the American Midwest, giving travelers convenient access to neighboring states and other destinations across the region.
For Filipinos, the new service addresses the long-standing demand for a more convenient connection between the Philippines and the Midwest. It is particularly beneficial to Filipino-Americans, overseas Filipino workers, families visiting relatives, business travelers, and tourists traveling between the two countries.
According to PAL Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez, the addition of Chicago represents a strategic expansion of the airline’s North American operations.
He emphasized that the route responds to the growing demand among Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in Chicago, Illinois, and neighboring states for a direct connection to the Philippines.
Chicago Becomes Philippine Airlines’ Eighth U.S. Destination
The launch makes Chicago the eighth destination Philippine Airlines serves across the United States and its territories, further strengthening the airline’s presence in one of its most important international markets.
The new route also creates additional opportunities for tourism, trade, investment, and cultural exchange between the Philippines and the United States.
For American travelers, the nonstop service provides easier access to the Philippines, including its popular beach destinations, cultural attractions, heritage sites, and luxury resorts.
For Filipino travelers, Chicago offers access to a major American city known for its architecture, museums, entertainment, shopping districts, restaurants, and vibrant cultural scene.
The direct connection also benefits passengers traveling beyond Chicago, as the city serves as a major aviation gateway with connections to destinations throughout the United States.
A More Convenient Travel Option for Filipinos
Before the introduction of the Manila-Chicago nonstop service, travelers between the two cities generally relied on connecting flights through other international gateways.
PAL’s new service eliminates the need for an intermediate stop, making international journeys more straightforward and convenient. It also reduces overall travel time compared with itineraries requiring a connecting flight, although actual journey times depend on flight schedules and operating conditions.
The three-times-weekly service is expected to support both leisure and business travel while strengthening family connections between Filipinos in the Philippines and the Filipino-American community in the Midwest.
Passengers aboard the inaugural flight received commemorative giveaways and participated in special launch activities before departure.
Manila-Chicago Inaugural Flight Marks NAIA Terminal 1 Milestone
The historic departure also marked the first use of NAIA Terminal 1’s new remote bus gate facility.
The development is part of ongoing airport modernization efforts to improve passenger movement and operational efficiency at the country’s primary international gateway.
As Philippine Airlines continues to expand its international network, the Manila-Chicago route reinforces its position as the Philippines’ flag carrier and strengthens the country’s air connectivity with major global markets.
For Filipino travelers planning a trip to the United States, the new nonstop connection opens another convenient gateway, particularly for those visiting family, pursuing business opportunities, or exploring the American Midwest.
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