Best Airlines in Philippines
Planning a trip to the Philippines? Whether you’re drawn to the bustling streets of Manila, the stunning natural wonders like the Batad Rice Terraces and Tukuran Falls, or the rich cultural heritage showcased at attractions like Rizal Park, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful archipelago. And getting there is easier than ever with a plethora of airlines offering flights to the Philippines. Let’s explore your options and find the best airline for your journey.
Analysis and Suggestions: When choosing the right airline for your trip to the Philippines, several factors come into play. Here’s a breakdown of key parameters to consider:
Price: Look for airlines that offer competitive prices and special deals. Low-cost carriers like Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines are known for their affordable fares, while larger carriers like Philippine Airlines and Qatar Airways might offer more amenities at a slightly higher price point.
Routes: Consider the destinations covered by each airline and whether they align with your travel itinerary. Philippine Airlines boasts an extensive network covering both domestic and international destinations, while international carriers like Turkish Airlines and Cathay Pacific offer connections from major hubs worldwide.
Schedule: Check the flight schedules to ensure they fit your travel plans. Etihad Airways and Turkish Airlines operate direct flights from Abu Dhabi and Istanbul, respectively, to Manila, offering convenient options for international travelers. Domestic carriers like Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines also provide frequent flights within the Philippines.
Airline Reputation: Research the reputation of each airline regarding safety, reliability, and customer service. Philippine Airlines, as the flag carrier of the Philippines, has a long-standing reputation for quality service, while Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific are globally recognized for their high standards.
Fleet & Comfort: Consider the aircraft types and onboard amenities offered by each airline. Philippine Airlines boasts a diverse fleet with options like the Airbus A350 XWB and Boeing 777 for long-haul flights, while Qatar Airways is known for its luxurious Business Class and comfortable Economy Class cabins.
Philippine Airline
Philippine Airlines (PAL) is the flag carrier of the Philippines and the oldest commercial airline in Asia. It was founded in 1941 by Andres Soriano Sr. and Carlos P. Romulo. its main hub at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila.
| Aircraft Type | Size |
|---|---|
|
Airbus A300 |
13 |
|
Airbus A300B4 |
13 |
|
Airbus A319 |
4 |
|
Airbus A319-100 |
4 |
|
Airbus A320 |
12 |
|
Airbus A320-200 |
12 |
|
Airbus A321 |
25 |
|
Airbus A321-200 |
21 |
|
Airbus A321 Neo |
4 |
|
Airbus A330 |
8 |
|
Airbus A340 |
17 |
|
Airbus A340-200 |
4 |
|
Airbus A340-300 |
13 |
|
Airbus A350 XWB |
2 |
|
Aibus A350-900 |
2 |
|
BAC 1-11 Series 400 |
4 |
|
BAC 1-11 Series 500 |
13 |
|
BAC 1-11 |
17 |
Destinations Covered
Domestic – Bacolod, Basco, Busuanga, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Calbayog, Catarman, Caticlan, Cauayan, Cebu, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Dumaguete, General Santos, Illoilo, Kalibo, Legazpi, Manila, Masbate, Naga, Ozamiz, Pagadian, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, San Jose, Siargao, Surigao, Tachloban, Tagbilaran, Tandag, Tawi- Tawi, Tuguegarao, Virac, Zamboanga and Sanga-Sanga.
International – Abu Dhabi, Auckland, Bangkok, Beijing, Brisbane, Busan, Calgary, Dammam, Darwin, Delhi, Dubai, Fukuoka, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Honolulu, Jakarta, Jeddah, Kagishima, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait, LOs Angeles, Macau, Melbourne, Nagoya, New York, Osaka, Perth, Port Moresby, Riyadh, San Francisco, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei, Tokyo, Toronto, Vancouver, Xiamen, London, Zurich and Zamboanga city.
Cebu Pacific
Cebu Pacific is a low-cost airline based in the Philippines. It is the country’s second-largest airline, after Philippine Airlines. It was founded in 1996 by businessman John Gokongwei Jr.
Fleet details – Airbus A330Neo, Airbus A320Ceo, Airbus A320Neo, Airbus A321Ceo, Airbus A321Neo, Airbus A330, ATR 72-500 and ATR 72-600.
Destinations Covered
Boracay, Cebu, Caran, Siargao, Bacolod, Bali, Bangkok, Beijing, Bohol, Brunei, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Calbayog, Camiguin, Cauayan,
Clark, Cotabato, Da Nang, Davao, Dipolog, Dubai, Dumaguete, Fukuoka, General Santos, Guangzhoi, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Iloilo, Jakarta, Kalibo, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Laoag, Legazpi, Macau, Manila, Marinduque, Masbate, Melbourne, Naga, Nagoya, Osaka, Ozamiz, Pagadian, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, San Jose, Seoul, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Singapore, Surigao, Sydney, Tablas, Tacloban, Taipei, Tawi-Tawi, Tokyo, Tuguegrao, Virac, Xiamen and Zamboanga.
Air Asia Philippines
AirAsia Philippines is a low-cost airline based in the Philippines. It is the country’s third-largest airline, after Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific.It was founded in 2011 as a joint venture between AirAsia Group and Filipino investors.
Fleet details – Airbus A320 [15] and Airbus A320-200 [15]
Destinations Covered
Domestic – Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Caticlan, Cebu, Clark, Davao, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Legazpi, Manila, Puerto Prinesa, Roxas, Talcoban, Tagbilaran and Zamboanga.
International – Brunei, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Denpasar, Jakarta, Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Kuwait, Macau, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Singapore, Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, Dubai, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh city and Honolulu.
Turkish Airline
Turkish Airlines flies to 13 different destinations in the Philippines, including Bacalod, Cagayan de Oro, Caticlan, Cebu, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Iloilo, Kalibo, Manila, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, and Tagbilaran.
The airline operates direct flights from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in the capital Manila, which takes approx 11 to 12 hours.
The airline offers a range of services and features, including in-flight entertainment, meals, and beverages, as well as a loyalty program and a City Guide service. Turkish Airlines is known for its high-quality service and comfortable seating options, making it a popular choice for travelers to the Philippines.
The airline offers a range of services and features, including in-flight entertainment, meals, and beverages, as well as a loyalty program and a City Guide service. Turkish Airlines is known for its high-quality service and comfortable seating options, making it a popular choice for travelers to the Philippines.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is a great choice for travelers who are looking for a comfortable, reliable, and affordable travel experience. The airline offers a wide range of services and amenities, including direct flights from Manila to Doha, a modern fleet of aircraft, and a generous baggage allowance.
UNIQE FEATURE
Qatar Airways is known for its high-quality service and comfortable seating options, including Business Class and Economy Class.
The airline has won numerous awards for its services, including the “World’s Best Airline” award from Skytrax in 2019.
Qatar Airways also offers a range of add-ons, such as seat selection, baggage allowance, and in-flight meals, which passengers can purchase to customize their travel experience.
Destinations Covered
Domestic – Bacolod, Basco, Busuanga, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Calbayog, Catarman, Caticlan, Cauayan, Cebu, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Dumaguete, General Santos, Illoilo, Kalibo, Legazpi, Manila, Masbate, Naga, Ozamiz, Pagadian, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, San Jose, Siargao, Surigao, Tachloban, Tagbilaran, Tandag, Tawi- Tawi, Tuguegarao, Virac, Zamboanga and Sanga-Sanga.
International – Abu Dhabi, Auckland, Bangkok, Beijing, Brisbane, Busan, Calgary, Dammam, Darwin, Delhi, Dubai, Fukuoka, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Honolulu, Jakarta, Jeddah, Kagishima, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait, LOs Angeles, Macau, Melbourne, Nagoya, New York, Osaka, Perth, Port Moresby, Riyadh, San Francisco, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei, Tokyo, Toronto, Vancouver, Xiamen, London, Zurich and Zamboanga city.
Cathay Pacific
It is a global airline that operates flights to over 270 destinations worldwide. The airline has been in operation since 1946 and is headquartered in Hong Kong. The airline has a strong presence in the Philippines, offering direct flights from Manila to Hong Kong and connecting flights to many other destinations around the world.
Fleet details – The fleet consists of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft from several families: Airbus A300, A310, A319, A320, A321, A330, A340, A350 XWB, Boeing 737, 747, 777, 787 Dreamliner, and British Aerospace BAe 146/Avro RJ.
Destinations Covered
Bacalod, Cagayan de Oro, Caticlan, Cebu, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Iloilo, Kalibo, Manila, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, and Tagbilaran.
Etihad Airways
The airline has been in operation since 2003 and is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Etihad Airways operates flights to 13 different destinations in the Philippines, including Bacalod, Cagayan de Oro, Caticlan, Cebu, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Iloilo, Kalibo, Manila, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, and Tagbilaran.
Direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Manila, which takes around 9 hours on average.
Conclusion:
Based on the parameters mentioned above, the choice of airline ultimately depends on your priorities and preferences. If you’re looking for affordability and frequent domestic routes, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines are excellent choices. For international travelers seeking comfort and convenience, Philippine Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Cathay Pacific offer comprehensive services and extensive networks. Evaluate your options carefully, keeping in mind your budget, itinerary, and desired level of comfort, to make the best decision for your journey to the Philippines.
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