MVA: Marianas Welcomes Return of Philippine Airlines

The Marianas is celebrating the return of Philippine Airlines (PAL) to the market, with twice‑weekly flights between Manila and Saipan set to begin on March 29, 2026.

Governor David M. Apatang welcomed the announcement by the flag carrier of the Philippines.

“We are pleased to welcome back Philippine Airlines with twice‑weekly flights beginning in March,” said Governor Apatang. “The Marianas and the Philippines share a long history of connection between governments and peoples, and we look forward to the new opportunities these flights will bring for tourism, business, and community. I commend the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) and Commonwealth Ports Authority (CPA) for their continuing work to attract new air service, and we welcome PAL to the Marianas family.”

The new service will depart Manila on Sundays and Wednesdays, returning from Saipan on Mondays and Thursdays. Bookings can be made at www.philippineairlines.com.

Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron expressed excitement about the announcement.

“We are thrilled with today’s news from Philippine Airlines,” said Taijeron. “These flights will provide many benefits — from leisure, medical and business travel to keeping our local Filipino community closely connected with their families. They also ease travel for U.S. visa requirements for our workforce from the Philippines. Alongside the U.S.–Philippines alliance in diplomacy, economic ties, and defense, this new service opens fresh doors of opportunity for the Marianas.”

Philippine Airlines last operated Manila–Saipan flights in 2018. Taijeron emphasized the importance of developing new products, services, and experiences aligned with the Marianas’ global brand Far From Ordinary, to continue building demand for the destination.

“Philippine Airlines is one of several carriers the MVA and CPA engaged with this year at ROUTES World and ROUTES Asia, the region’s largest aviation and tourism conferences,” Taijeron added. “We are proud to support this new air service and continue negotiations with other airline partners to stabilize and expand connectivity to the Marianas. The best support our community and local businesses can give is to extend a warm island welcome to every visitor and ensure they enjoy a truly Far From Ordinary experience while here.”

The flights will be operated by PAL Express.