Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Qatar Airways have announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing air service between Manila and Doha, set to commence on June 16, 2025. This collaboration will allow PAL to provide daily nonstop flights between the two cities, significantly improving connectivity for travelers from the Philippines to destinations around the globe.
Beginning on June 16, PAL will operate these daily flights, with Qatar Airways codesharing on the seven weekly flights that PAL will manage in this initial phase of cooperation. The daily flights will depart from Manila at 18:50, landing in Doha at 23:40, thus providing travelers with seamless access to over 170 destinations within the Qatar Airways network. These destinations span across Africa, the Americas, Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Passengers utilizing this new route will enjoy the luxurious experience of transferring at Hamad International Airport, which was voted the World’s Best Airport in the Middle East by Skytrax in 2025. For those traveling eastbound on Qatar Airways flights, they can conveniently connect to PAL flights departing daily from Doha at 01:30, arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila at 16:15.
Stanley Ng, President and Chief Operating Officer of Philippine Airlines, expressed enthusiasm regarding the partnership, stating, "As Philippine Airlines expands its presence across the globe, we are delighted to forge new alliances that build new connections and give our business and leisure passengers more flexibility and seamless access in flying to their desired destinations." Ng emphasized that the decision to offer daily flights to Doha was facilitated by this strategic partnership with Qatar Airways, which he believes will stimulate tourism, trade flows, and business growth, particularly benefiting Overseas Filipino Workers and their families.
Thierry Antinori, Chief Commercial Officer of Qatar Airways, echoed Ng's sentiments, noting that this partnership reflects the airline's commitment to strengthening global connectivity. He stated, "At Qatar Airways, we continue to explore opportunities that strengthen our connectivity across the world, and our latest partnership with Philippine Airlines is a testament to this commitment. This strategic cooperation also aims to deepen the socio-economic ties between the Qatari and Filipino communities. We are proud of the new codeshare flights and look forward to delivering increased benefits to global travelers."
The collaboration between PAL and Qatar Airways is not just limited to the current flight offerings; both airlines are keen to explore further opportunities for long-term cooperation. This includes promoting additional destinations within their respective networks and establishing frequent flyer cooperation. Such initiatives are expected to enhance the travel experience for passengers and open up new avenues for growth in both airlines.
The daily nonstop flights will be operated using PAL's long-range Airbus A330-300 aircraft, which will feature a dual-class configuration. This includes an exclusive business class cabin with 18 flat-bed seats, ensuring a comfortable journey for premium passengers, alongside a main economy class cabin that accommodates 341 seats.
As the aviation industry continues to recover and adapt post-pandemic, partnerships like that of PAL and Qatar Airways are crucial in restoring and expanding travel options for passengers. The strategic alliance not only enhances connectivity between Manila and Doha but also positions both airlines to better serve their customers and contribute to the economic ties between the Philippines and Qatar.
With the launch of these daily flights, travelers can look forward to a more integrated travel experience, allowing them to explore a vast array of destinations while enjoying the high standards of service that both airlines are known for. The partnership signifies a promising step forward in the aviation sector, fostering greater collaboration and connectivity in an increasingly globalized world.
