Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is returning to the Northern Mariana Islands with the launch of new direct flights between Manila and Saipan next year, as it takes another bite of the Pacific market.

In a statement, PAL said it will launch the new service between Manila and Saipan starting March 29, 2026 on a twice-weekly schedule.

PAL president Richard Nuttall said the airline is making its return to Saipan to further expand its route network in the Pacific, where it currently operates flights to Guam and Honolulu.

Saipan would become the airline’s fourth destination in the region, following the recent announcement of direct flights to Palau, also scheduled for March 29.

Nuttall said these routes reinforce Manila’s status as a major gateway to the Pacific Islands, which are home to many overseas Filipinos.

Since the Northern Mariana Islands—of which Saipan is the capital—is a territory of the United States (US), PAL also broadens its linkage to the country that hosts the largest Filipino population outside the Philippines

Saipan is set to be PAL’s seventh destination in the US, joining Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Seattle, Guam, and Honolulu.

“PAL is dedicated to expanding its global presence to meet the evolving needs of the market, across both passenger and cargo segments, while remaining steadfast in our commitment to delivering service excellence,” Nuttall said.

PAL first mounted direct flights to Saipan in 2016, taking advantage of the territory’s massive Filipino diaspora, which accounts for around 33 percent of its population of 47,329, based on a 2020 census.

The carrier would shift its Manila-Saipan operations to a seasonal basis the following year, but it was later discontinued altogether.

Nuttall said bringing Saipan into the airline’s network will not only provide overseas Filipinos with a seamless access back home, but also to allow domestic travelers to enjoy the island’s popular beaches and dive spots, just four hours away from Manila.

The direct travel option would likewise provide international travelers coming from Saipan to connect to PAL’s domestic and international network.

The Manila-Saipan route is scheduled to depart from Manila every Wednesday and Sunday at 7:45 pm and arrive in Saipan at 1:45 am the following day. The return journey, meanwhile, will depart at 2:50 am and arrive in Manila at 5:05 am.

To promote the return of the direct flights, PAL is offering special introductory one-way fare for economy starting at $249 and $389 for a roundtrip base fare.

For those seeking extra comfort, the airline is offering business class at $249 for a one-way ticket and $1,029 for the roundtrip.

PAL currently flies to 31 domestic and 37 international destinations across Asia, North America, Australia, and the Middle East.