SEATAC, Wash. — The first direct flights between Seattle and Manila will begin at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Wednesday.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) will be the first air carrier to run nonstop flights between the Philippines and the Pacific Northwest, which is home to more than 240,000 Filipino Americans, between Washington and Oregon. The first flight from Manila to Seattle will land at around 7:15 p.m.
Port of Seattle Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa said the Manila to Seattle route has been one of SEA Airport's most requested nonstop routes.
"We're thrilled that this new flight will not only serve the Puget Sound's Filipino community, but anyone who is interested in exploring the rich history, beauty and hospitality of the Philippines," Hasegawa said.
The flights will operate three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with departures at 11:40 p.m. local time from SEA Airport and 10:40 p.m. local time from Manila. The direct flights will operate on a Boeing 777-300ER plane.
PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Captain Stanley K Ng said the airline is happy to be able to connect Filipinos and Filipino Americans hoping to reunite with their family members with the new route and promote the island country as a "flourishing tourist and business destination for American travelers."
Seattle is PAL's sixth destination in the U.S. and eighth in North America. They also operate nonstop flights to Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Honolulu and Guam. Over 900,000 Americans visited the Philippines in 2023, making the U.S. the country's second-largest source of tourists.