The opening of more domestic gateways and increases in arrival limits for Manila will enable Philippine Airlines (PAL) to add more international flights starting this month, leading up to the peak holiday season.
Transport authorities have raised the cap for Manila arrivals to four thousand passengers per day shared among various airlines.
The government also allowed the use of Cebu, Davao, Subic and other airports to help more Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) fly home for the holidays.
"We thank the DOTr (Dept. of Transportation) for opening up more regional gateways in the country and accommodating more arriving international passengers," says PAL SVP and Chief Strategy and Planning Officer Dexter Lee.
"We will respond by adding more flights from the Middle East, the United States, Australia and various Asian countries so that we can serve the compelling needs of our overseas Filipinos around the world," he announced.
Furthermore, "Having alternative gateways gives us the flexibility to adjust our network so we can fly more people home and support the revival of our local economy," Lee added.
While Manila remains to be PAL's main arrival hub, the airline will be rerouting certain flights as needed.
Some of the planned flights rerouted to alternative gateways in November 2021 and beyond include:
SAN FRANCISCO - CEBU PR 105 - Every Saturday, from November 6 to March 26
LOS ANGELES - CEBU PR 153 - Every Wednesday and Friday, from November 5 to March 25
DUBAI - DAVAO PR 659 - November 4, 6, 9 and 10
DUBAI - CEBU PR 659 - November 5, 7, 12 and 14
DUBAI - SUBIC PR 659 - November 8, 11 and 13
PAL is working with the DOTr and local authorities on routing flights to Subic and Laoag in addition to Cebu and Davao.
The Tagbilaran (Panglao) airport in Bohol is also being eyed as an international gateway.
The flag carrier is likewise increasing flights to Manila from Los Angeles, New York, Guam, Singapore, Doha, Taipei, Sydney and Melbourne.