Key Takeaways
• Philippine Airlines launched direct Manila–Da Nang flights on July 1, 2025, operating thrice weekly on Airbus A321 planes.
• Flights increase from three to four weekly in November 2025, supporting tourism growth and stronger Philippines-Vietnam ties.
• Philippine tourists visiting Da Nang surged to 49,000 in early 2025, highlighting demand for direct travel options.
Philippine Airlines Launches Direct Manila–Da Nang Flights: What It Means for Travelers, Tourism, and Economic Ties
On July 1, 2025, Philippine Airlines made a major move in Southeast Asian travel by launching direct flights between Manila and Da Nang, Vietnam 🇻🇳. This new route is more than just another flight option—it marks a big step in connecting the Philippines 🇵🇭 and Vietnam 🇻🇳, making travel easier for tourists, business people, and families. The launch also signals growing cooperation between the two countries and opens new doors for economic and tourism growth.
Let’s break down what this new route means, who benefits, and what travelers should know if they’re planning to fly between Manila and Da Nang.
Who, What, When, Where, and Why: The Key Facts
- Who: Philippine Airlines (PAL), the flag carrier of the Philippines 🇵🇭, is operating the new route.
- What: Direct flights between Manila and Da Nang, Vietnam 🇻🇳.
- When: Service started on July 1, 2025, with the first flight (PR585) landing in Da Nang at 12:45 PM.
- Where: Flights depart from Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport and arrive at Da Nang International Airport.
- Why: To boost travel options, support tourism, and strengthen economic ties between the Philippines 🇵🇭 and Vietnam 🇻🇳.
How the New Route Works
The Manila–Da Nang route uses Airbus A321 aircraft, which are modern planes known for comfort and efficiency. Each plane has 199 seats, including 12 in business class and the rest in economy. This setup gives travelers a choice between premium and standard seating, making the flights suitable for both business and leisure trips.
Flight Frequency and Schedule
- Initial Service: Three flights per week—Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
- Increased Service: Starting November 2025, the number of flights will go up to four per week.
- Total Weekly Flights: With this new route, there are now 12 weekly flights between Manila and Da Nang, giving travelers more flexibility.
- Planned Flights: PAL will operate 51 round-trip flights between July 1 and October 25, 2025.
Why This Route Matters: Background and Context
The launch of direct flights between Manila and Da Nang is part of a bigger plan by Philippine Airlines to expand its presence in Vietnam 🇻🇳. PAL now operates 24 weekly non-stop flights connecting Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao to three major Vietnamese cities: Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi. This expansion shows PAL’s commitment to making travel across Southeast Asia easier and more convenient.
Growing Tourism Between the Philippines 🇵🇭 and Vietnam 🇻🇳
Tourism numbers between the two countries have been rising quickly:
- In 2024, more than 65,000 Philippine tourists visited Da Nang.
- In just the first five months of 2025, Da Nang welcomed over 49,000 Philippine visitors—a 2.26 times increase compared to the same period last year.
These numbers show strong demand for travel between the Philippines 🇵🇭 and Vietnam 🇻🇳, and the new direct flights are expected to push these figures even higher.
Da Nang International Airport’s Growth
Da Nang International Airport is also expanding fast. In 2025 alone, the airport welcomed eight new airlines and six new routes. Now, it hosts 45 international airlines operating 31 international routes. The addition of Philippine Airlines’ Manila–Da Nang service is a key part of this growth, helping Da Nang become a bigger hub for travel in Southeast Asia.
Official Support and Stakeholder Involvement
The launch of the new route was celebrated with a ceremony attended by important officials and organizations from both countries. These included:
- Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism
- Civil Aviation Authority of Central Vietnam
- Da Nang International Airport Border Gate Police
- Customs Department
- Vietnam Ambassador Lai Thai Binh
- Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA)
- New NAIA Infra Corp
Statements from Key Leaders
Nguyen Thi Hoai An, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, said the new route fits perfectly with Da Nang’s plan to grow its tourism industry and expand its network of international flights, especially within Southeast Asia.
Richard Nuttall, President of Philippine Airlines, shared his excitement about the route’s potential. He pointed out that the new flights make it easier for people in central Vietnam 🇻🇳 to travel to Manila and then connect to other destinations like the United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, Australia 🇦🇺, and Japan 🇯🇵.
What This Means for Travelers and Stakeholders
The new direct flights between Manila and Da Nang bring several benefits for different groups:
For Tourists:
– More Choices: Travelers now have more options for direct flights, making it easier to plan trips between the Philippines 🇵🇭 and Vietnam 🇻🇳.
– Shorter Travel Time: Direct flights mean no more layovers or long waits in other airports.
– Comfort and Service: The Airbus A321 offers both business and economy class, so travelers can pick what suits their needs and budget.
For Business Travelers:
– Better Connections: The new route helps business people travel quickly between two fast-growing cities, supporting trade and investment.
– Links to Other Destinations: From Manila, travelers can easily connect to other cities in Asia, North America, and Australia.
For Families and Friends:
– Easier Visits: Families living in the Philippines 🇵🇭 and Vietnam 🇻🇳 can visit each other more often, thanks to more flight options and better schedules.
For the Tourism Industry:
– More Visitors: Hotels, restaurants, and tour operators in both countries can expect more guests.
– New Opportunities: The increased flow of tourists can lead to new jobs and business ideas in both cities.
For the Economy:
– Stronger Ties: More travel means more business deals, investments, and partnerships between the Philippines 🇵🇭 and Vietnam 🇻🇳.
– Growth in Related Sectors: Airlines, airports, and travel agencies all benefit from increased passenger numbers.
How to Book and What to Expect
Travelers interested in flying between Manila and Da Nang can book tickets directly through the Philippine Airlines official website. The site provides up-to-date schedules, ticket prices, and information about baggage, check-in, and in-flight services.
What to Know About Immigration and Entry Requirements
When traveling between the Philippines 🇵🇭 and Vietnam 🇻🇳, it’s important to check the latest immigration rules. Both countries have visa-free agreements for short visits, but requirements can change. For the most current information, travelers should visit the official Vietnam Immigration Department website or the Philippines Bureau of Immigration.
Travelers should remember:
– Passport Validity: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
– Visa Requirements: Citizens of the Philippines 🇵🇭 can visit Vietnam 🇻🇳 for up to 21 days without a visa. Vietnamese citizens can visit the Philippines 🇵🇭 for up to 30 days visa-free.
– Return Ticket: Some immigration officers may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket.
For longer stays, work, or study, travelers may need to apply for a visa. Always check the official government websites for the latest forms and instructions.
Why the Manila–Da Nang Route Is Important for Immigration and Mobility
Direct flights like the new Manila–Da Nang service do more than just make vacations easier. They play a big role in how people move between countries for work, study, or family reasons. Here’s how:
- Easier Family Reunions: Families split between the Philippines 🇵🇭 and Vietnam 🇻🇳 can visit each other more often and with less hassle.
- Student Exchanges: With more flights, it’s easier for students to join exchange programs or study abroad.
- Business Mobility: Companies can send employees between the two countries quickly, supporting projects and partnerships.
- Tourism and Work Opportunities: More travel options can lead to new jobs in tourism, hospitality, and related fields.
How the Route Supports Da Nang’s Tourism Goals
Da Nang is working hard to become a top tourist destination in Southeast Asia. The city’s leaders want to attract more visitors from different countries, not just nearby neighbors. The new direct flights from Manila help Da Nang reach this goal by:
- Bringing in More Tourists: Philippine visitors are a growing group, and direct flights make it easier for them to choose Da Nang.
- Expanding the City’s Reach: With more international routes, Da Nang can market itself to travelers from all over the world.
- Encouraging Investment: Better air links make Da Nang more attractive to investors looking to start hotels, resorts, or other businesses.
Philippine Airlines’ Strategy in Vietnam 🇻🇳
The Manila–Da Nang route is just one part of PAL’s bigger plan in Vietnam 🇻🇳. The airline now offers 24 weekly non-stop flights connecting several Philippine cities to Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi. This network gives travelers more choices and helps PAL compete with other airlines in the region.
PAL’s expansion shows:
– Confidence in Demand: The airline expects more people to travel between the Philippines 🇵🇭 and Vietnam 🇻🇳 in the coming years.
– Commitment to Service: By adding more flights and using modern planes, PAL aims to offer better service and comfort.
– Support for Economic Growth: More flights mean more business opportunities for both countries.
What’s Next? Future Plans and Outlook
Philippine Airlines isn’t stopping with three weekly flights. Starting in November 2025, the airline will increase the Manila–Da Nang service to four flights per week. This move shows PAL’s belief that demand for travel between the two cities will keep growing.
Looking ahead:
– More Flights, More Choices: Travelers can expect even more flexibility in planning their trips.
– Stronger Ties: The route will help deepen tourism and economic links between the Philippines 🇵🇭 and Vietnam 🇻🇳.
– Ongoing Investment: PAL’s growing network in Vietnam 🇻🇳 is a sign of its long-term commitment to the region.
Practical Tips for Travelers
If you’re planning to take advantage of the new Manila–Da Nang flights, here are some tips:
- Book Early: With rising demand, flights may fill up quickly, especially during holidays and peak travel seasons.
- Check Entry Requirements: Visit the Vietnam Immigration Department or Philippines Bureau of Immigration for the latest rules.
- Prepare Travel Documents: Make sure your passport is valid and you have any needed visas or supporting documents.
- Arrive Early at the Airport: International flights often require earlier check-in times.
- Explore Both Cities: Take time to enjoy the sights, food, and culture in both Manila and Da Nang.
Official Resources and Contacts
- Philippine Airlines: Official website for booking, flight schedules, and customer service.
- Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism: For tourism information and travel tips.
- Da Nang International Airport: For airport services, facilities, and flight updates.
Conclusion: A New Era for Philippine–Vietnam Connectivity
The launch of direct flights between Manila and Da Nang by Philippine Airlines marks a new chapter in travel, tourism, and economic cooperation between the Philippines 🇵🇭 and Vietnam 🇻🇳. With more flights, modern planes, and strong support from both governments, travelers now have better options and more reasons to explore both countries.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this new route is expected to boost tourism, create jobs, and make it easier for families, students, and business people to connect. Whether you’re planning a vacation, a business trip, or a family visit, the Manila–Da Nang flights offer a faster, more comfortable way to travel between two vibrant cities.
For more details on travel requirements and official updates, visit the Vietnam Immigration Department’s website. Stay informed, plan ahead, and enjoy the new possibilities that this direct connection brings.
Learn Today
Airbus A321 → A modern twin-engine aircraft used by PAL for comfort and efficiency on regional flights.
Direct Flights → Non-stop air routes connecting two cities without layovers, saving travel time and improving convenience.
Da Nang International Airport → A major Vietnamese airport expanding rapidly, serving 45 international airlines and 31 routes in 2025.
Visa-Free Agreement → An arrangement allowing citizens to enter a country without a visa for short stays, easing travel.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) → The flag carrier airline of the Philippines, expanding services between Philippine and Vietnamese cities.
This Article in a Nutshell
Philippine Airlines’ new Manila–Da Nang flights enhance direct air travel, boosting tourism and business between the Philippines and Vietnam. Operating Airbus A321s thrice weekly, this route deepens economic ties and expands PAL’s Vietnam presence, offering travelers flexibility and comfort. Flights increase in late 2025, reflecting strong passenger demand.
— By VisaVerge.com
