PAL to resume Saipan flights

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October 2, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is betting against rising airfares, as it is set to restore direct flights to Saipan, pinning its hopes that holiday travel would remain strong.

PAL yesterday announced the resumption of Manila flights to Saipan starting Oct. 25, giving Filipinos a direct option when flying to the capital of Northern Mariana Islands.

The restoration of Saipan flights comes at a time when fares are soaring to new highs, as jet fuel prices close in on $200-per-barrel levels due to geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East.

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) allowed airlines to raise their fuel surcharge to Level 17 for the first half of October. This marks the highest level since climbing to Level 18 in the first half of May.

Still, PAL is confident that Filipinos would travel during the holiday season in spite of cost hikes. Saipan is a popular destination that offers clear waters, diving sites and historical landmarks.

Saipan is home to some of the Pacific Islands’ most renowned attractions, such as sandy beaches like Micro Beach and snorkeling spots like The Grotto.

“The restored route will strengthen tourism, family and commercial ties between the Philippines and Marianas, while providing more opportunities for people and communities across the Pacific to reconnect,” PAL said.

Saipan also adds to PAL’s growing network in the US, as it is scheduled to launch direct flights to Chicago on Nov. 9.

However, what could throw off booking demand for international flights is rising fares. CAB set the fuel surcharge at Level 17 for Oct. 1 to 15, the highest since May.

At Level 17, airlines can slap a fuel surcharge of P559 to P1,635 for domestic services. Further, they may charge an additional fee of P1,846.1 to P13,726.58 for international flights.

PAL’s flights to Saipan could be slapped a fuel surcharge of as much as P2,553.19 under Level 17.

Based on the monitor of the International Air Transport Association, jet fuel prices have risen by 24 percent on a monthly basis to $194.9 per barrel as of Sept. 18.