Philippine Airlines starts Manila–Chicago flights three times weekly

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has launched a nonstop service between Manila and Chicago O'Hare, operating its inaugural flight on Monday, according to AirlineGeeks. The route will run three times weekly and is the first nonstop link between the Philippines and the US Midwest.

A first for the Midwest

AirlineGeeks reports that the carrier's inaugural flight took place on Monday, ahead of the site's article of 12 November 2026. It describes the connection as the first ever nonstop between the Philippines and the Midwest region of the United States.

PAL's Executive Vice President and COO, Carlos Luis Fernandez, described the route in a news release as "a strategic addition to our North American network", according to AirlineGeeks. He said it extends the airline's presence into the Midwest and gives access to one of the largest regional economies in the country.

Demand from the Filipino community

Mr Fernandez said many Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in Chicago, Illinois and neighbouring states had long wanted a more convenient, direct connection to the Philippines. The airline said it was proud to make that possible, as quoted by AirlineGeeks.

PAL's wider North American network

Chicago joins PAL's existing US destinations of New York-JFK, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Honolulu. In Canada, the airline also serves Toronto and Vancouver, AirlineGeeks notes.

What this means for travellers

• Travellers in Chicago and surrounding states can now fly nonstop to Manila three times a week, rather than connecting elsewhere, although the source does not give a comparison of journey times.
• Passengers from Manila, and those connecting through it from elsewhere in South-East Asia, gain another gateway to the US interior.
• The limited frequency means schedule flexibility will be narrower than on PAL's longer-established US routes.

The source does not give flight numbers, schedules, aircraft type or fares, so the effect on prices and competition is not yet known. Travellers should check PAL's website for days and times.

Sources: AirlineGeeks.