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Philippine Airlines (PAL) is set to fly daily from Melbourne to Manila later this year.
The Philippines flag carrier will increase from five to seven flights per week with its A330-300 fleet starting 19 November, arriving in Melbourne at 7:30am and departing at 9:20am.
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“Moving to a daily schedule for the Melbourne-Manila service gives Victorians unmatched choice and flexibility during the busiest travel period of the year,” said PAL’s country manager for ANZ and PNG, Krystle Ramirez-Gastrock.
“Whether it’s Aussie holidaymakers heading to the beaches of the Philippines, travellers connecting to Japan’s snowfields, or families reuniting for the festive season, PAL is proud to strengthen Victoria’s vital link to Asia and beyond.”
According to PAL, the boost to daily services will give travellers from the Philippines and the airline’s international network easier access to Melbourne, while Melbourne travellers will have “seamless” connections through Manila to Asia, North America, and the Middle East.
“The expanded Melbourne service will also provide more cargo capacity on daily flights, helping support Philippine exports and strengthen trade links between the Philippines and Australia,” the airline said.
“PAL currently operates the most flights and serves the most destinations linking the Philippines and Australia, with daily services to Brisbane and Sydney and three weekly flights to Perth.
“The introduction of daily Melbourne flights also comes during a milestone year for PAL in Australia. On September 10, 2026, the Philippine flag carrier marks 55 years of service to Melbourne, one of its longest-serving international destinations.
“Since launching the route in 1971, PAL has helped strengthen ties between the two countries by connecting communities, businesses, and travellers.”
It comes after Melbourne Airport welcomed more than 3 million passengers in July, including more than a million international travellers.
The airport earlier in August released its draft 2027 Master Plan, which forecasts an estimated 75 million annual passengers by 2047.
The Master Plan, available online, outlines a suite of terminal upgrades, as well as infrastructure improvements, transport links, and a 345-metre eastern extension of the east-west runway to accommodate shortening at the western end for the upcoming third runway.
Melbourne has embarked on massive upgrades to its international terminal, including enlarging and modernising check-in and baggage claim halls; growing its terminal footprint with improved lounges, waiting areas and retail; and adding five new gates to the existing pier.
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