Philippine flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) officially commenced its thrice-weekly direct services between Manila and Da Nang, Vietnam yesterday, 1st July.
Flight PR 585 Manila-Da Nang is scheduled every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 11:10 am, arriving in Da Nang at 12:45 pm.
The Da Nang-Manila flight PR 586 flies every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 1:35 p.m., arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 5:10 p.m.
The airline plans to add more flights to the schedule by November of this year.
Bridging nations through flight
According to Vietnamese ambassador to the Philippines Lai Thai Binh: “This flight is more than a connection between two cities. It’s a bridge between our people, cultures, and shared dreams.”
Lai added that the timing of the launch was significant as the strategic partnership between the Philippines and Vietnam marks its tenth anniversary this year, and 2026 will see the 50th anniversary of Philippines-Vietnam diplomatic relations.
Tourism undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano represented the Department of Tourism at the send-off ceremony, and pointed out how the direct connection corresponds to the growing demand for accessible and enriching tourism experience as Vietnam continues to rise as one of the most visited destinations by Filipino travelers, and the Philippines also welcomes more visitors from Vietnam.
Three routes to Vietnam
For his part, PAL president Richard Nuttall declared: “We now fly three routes into Vietnam. That speaks of the solid bond of friendship that unites the Filipino and Vietnamese people.”
Currently, PAL offers 24 weekly nonstop flights to Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi, including three weekly flights that connect Cebu to Ho Chi Minh City.
For the Da Nang flights, PAL flies Airbus A321 airliners that can accommodate 199 passengers.
