Philippine Airlines (PAL) will increase flight frequencies to Japan and Australia from October as it prepares for stronger passenger demand during the Northern Hemisphere winter and the year-end holiday season.
The flag carrier announced that it will add flights on several Japan routes between late October 2026 and March 2027, providing travellers with more options during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Beginning 25 October 2026 until 27 March 2027, PAL will increase its Manila–Tokyo (Narita) and Manila–Osaka services to 21 weekly flights each, up from the current 14 weekly flights.
Meanwhile, flights between Manila and Sapporo will increase from three to five weekly services from 24 November 2026 until 27 February 2027 to cater to higher demand during Japan’s winter season.
The expanded schedule will bring PAL’s total operations between the Philippines and Japan to 87 weekly flights. In addition to its increased frequencies, the airline operates services from Manila to Tokyo (Narita and Haneda), Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Sapporo, as well as flights from Cebu to Tokyo (Narita) and Osaka.
PAL President Richard Nuttall said the additional services are intended to accommodate growing travel demand during the winter months.
“The winter season is one of the most popular times of the year for Filipinos visiting Japan, while it is also a peak period for Japanese travellers seeking the Philippines’ tropical destinations.”
He added that the expanded schedule would also strengthen connectivity between the two countries.
“By adding more flights, we are giving our customers greater flexibility during these high-demand months while strengthening tourism, business and cultural exchanges between our two countries. The additional services also provide more cargo capacity to support growing trade between the Philippines and Japan.”
Australia network also set for seasonal boost
Alongside its Japan expansion, PAL will also increase services to Australia during the Christmas and New Year travel period.
The airline said it will operate additional flights to Melbourne and Perth to accommodate the expected rise in passenger numbers during the festive season. Selected flights to Sydney and Brisbane will also be operated using larger aircraft, increasing the number of available seats without adding extra frequencies.
According to PAL, the seasonal adjustments are designed to better serve overseas Filipino communities, holidaymakers and passengers visiting family and friends during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
“These seasonal enhancements are designed to support the strong demand from Filipino communities in Australia, holidaymakers, and visiting friends and relatives travelling during the year-end peak season.”
The airline said the expanded services across Japan and Australia form part of its preparations for the annual surge in international travel, while also supporting tourism and trade between the Philippines and its key regional markets.
With more flights and increased seat capacity available from October onwards, travellers heading to Japan or Australia during the winter and festive seasons will have greater flexibility when planning their journeys.
