In front, from left: Gregory Harris, Commercial Counselor, U.S. Commercial Service Philippines, U.S. Embassy Manila; Sharyn Fitzgerald, Counselor for Economic Affairs, U.S. Embassy Manila; Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Philippine Airlines; Hon. Maria Bernardita “Dita” Angara-Mathay, Secretary, Department of Tourism (DOT); Lucio C. Tan III, President and Chief Operating Officer, PAL Holdings, Inc.; Angelito Alvarez, General Manager, New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC); Cesar Chiong, Executive Assistant to the President and CEO, NNIC; Atty. Maria Elben S.L. Moro, Deputy Executive Director, Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB); and Alfred Adriano, Vice President for Airport Operations, Philippine Airlines, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the inaugural airport send-off of PAL’s maiden Manila-Chicago flight at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1, together with other PAL executives.
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) marked a historic milestone with the launch of its first nonstop service between Manila and Chicago on November 9, 2026, establishing the first direct air link between the Philippines and the U.S. Midwest and further strengthening the airline’s North American network.
The inaugural flight departed from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 following a ceremonial send-off attended by PAL Holdings, Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer Lucio C. Tan III, PAL Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Amb. Lee Lipton, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernardita “Dita” Angara-Mathay, Philippine Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) Deputy Executive Director Atty. Maria Elben S.L. Moro, New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) General Manager Angelito Alvarez, NNIC Executive Assistant to the President and CEO Cesar Chiong, and other partners in government and aviation.
The new Manila-Chicago service provides travelers with faster and more convenient access between the Philippines and one of the United States’ most dynamic economic centers. As a leading hub for business, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, education, and culture, Chicago serves as a gateway to the American Midwest and a key crossroads for global commerce. Home to a vibrant Filipino-American community and one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, the city offers significant opportunities for tourism, trade, investment, business growth, and people-to-people exchange.
“For Philippine Airlines, this is a strategic addition to our North American network. It expands our presence to the Midwest and provides more convenient access to one of the largest regional economies in the United States,” said PAL Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez. “We know that many Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in Chicago, Illinois, and neighboring states have long looked forward to a direct and more convenient connection to the Philippines. We are proud to finally make this possible.”
The launch of Chicago further expands PAL’s presence in one of its most important international markets, becoming the airline’s eighth destination across the United States and its territories. The addition strengthens PAL’s network across North America and enhances connectivity between the Philippines and key economic centers throughout the region.
Operating three times weekly, the Manila-Chicago service is designed to provide convenient and seamless travel between the two cities, supporting the needs of both leisure and business travelers. The new route increases access to the Midwest through one of North America’s leading aviation gateways while creating more opportunities for tourism, commerce, investment, and cultural exchange.
By offering the only nonstop service between the Philippines and Chicago, PAL significantly reduces travel time and makes journeys more convenient for travelers while strengthening the flow of people, ideas, and economic activity between the two countries.
The Manila-Chicago route further reinforces Philippine Airlines’ position as the country’s global carrier and reflects its long-term commitment to expanding access to key international markets. The addition of Chicago strengthens PAL’s North American footprint and enhances the airline’s ability to serve growing demand across the region.
Passengers traveling on the inaugural flight received commemorative giveaways and participated in special launch activities before boarding the historic service. The departure also marked the first use of NAIA Terminal 1’s new remote bus gate facility, highlighting recent improvements under the airport’s modernization efforts.
