Philippine Airlines (PAL) has officially launched its new route connecting Manila and Da Nang, Vietnam, marking a significant expansion of its presence in Southeast Asia. The new service makes Da Nang the third Vietnamese city in PAL’s network, alongside long-standing destinations Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
The inaugural flight, PR 585, departed from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on July 1 and was marked with a special send-off ceremony. The flight operates three times weekly—every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday—departing Manila at 11:10 a.m. and arriving in Da Nang at 12:45 p.m. The return flight, PR 586, leaves Da Nang at 1:35 p.m. and lands in Manila at 5:10 p.m. PAL uses Airbus A321 aircraft for the route, offering both Business and Economy Class seating for up to 199 passengers.
Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Lai Thai Binh, who attended the launch, called the new route a symbol of deeper collaboration. “This flight is more than a connection between two cities; it’s a bridge between our people, cultures, and shared dreams,” he said.
The launch comes at a significant time in bilateral relations. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam-Philippines Strategic Partnership, while 2026 will commemorate 50 years of diplomatic ties, aligning with the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship.
Philippine Airlines has announced plans to increase flight frequency to Da Nang to four times a week by November. The new route puts PAL in direct competition with Cebu Pacific, which began servicing Da Nang in late 2023.
