The Philippine Airlines (PAL) is sharpening its focus on the premium leisure travel segment, unveiling plans to launch flights to Maldives and Palau—two of Asia-Pacific’s most exclusive island destinations.
In a filing with the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), the Lucio Tan-led flag carrier requested flight entitlements to the Maldives under the 2018 Philippines–Maldives Air Services Agreement, which allots each country’s designated carriers an initial weekly entitlement of 1,200 seats between Manila and Malé.
The airline said the move seeks to tap into growing demand for high-end leisure travel to the Maldives, famed for its white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and marine biodiversity. Data from Maldives Immigration showed 5,874 Filipino tourist arrivals from January to September this year.
PAL also filed an application for flight entitlements to Palau under the Philippines–Palau Air Services Agreement, targeting another niche luxury market known for its Rock Islands Southern Lagoon (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)and Jellyfish Lake. According to the Palau Visitors Authority, 258 Filipinos visited the Pacific archipelago from January to April this year.
The planned route expansions form part of PAL’s broader effort to boost its international network and premium offerings, in line with surging demand for long-haul leisure travel. The airline earlier announced increased frequencies and capacity across key international routes—including Perth, Busan, Sapporo, Narita, Seattle, and Cebu–Guam—from late 2025 to early 2026.
PAL said these strategic developments underscore its commitment to “world-class service, expanded connectivity, and convenient travel options,” positioning the airline to strengthen its corporate competitiveness and capture higher-yield travelers in the global premium leisure market.
