PAL set to fly Chicago as Delta backs off
Posted by bonzothebonanza@reddit | aviation | View on Reddit | 19 comments
Delta Air Lines will drop their objection against Philippine Airlines and their planned service to Chicago. This comes as the airline had talks with the Philippines' Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) about securing a slot for their planned service to Manila from Los Angeles, which is scheduled to begin in 2027.
In addition, the US Department of Transportation (US DOT) gave an exemption to PAL's planned flights to Chicago-O'Hare, under the condition that it will be limited to a one-year term.
Source: https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/07/pal-set-to-fly-chicago-as-delta-backs-off
saveyourtissues@reddit
Honestly shocked how much growth there has been with US-MNL traffic. SFO previously had one PAL flight a day to MNL, now there’s three (two UA + 1 PAL)
bonzothebonanza@reddit (OP)
Fun fact: Manila is the only Southeast Asian destination in United's network that uses the larger 777-300ER over the 787-9, which is typically used for flights to Singapore, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh. It just shows how huge the US-PH traffic is.
Far_Breakfast_5808@reddit
Not only do they use the 777s, but said 777s are full. The route is doing so well it's now twice-daily, and both flights are still full. The 787s would not be enough at all.
Vinen@reddit
Can confirm. I fly this in Polaris a few times a year and its been packed since it started.
siouxu@reddit
MNL traffic kept piling up in Sabre data the past few years - turns out they like to use Sabre but also there's beeya sizeable increase in traffic.
saveyourtissues@reddit
On my last family trip back (actually first since covid) last year, there was a lot more non-Filipinos on the plane than I remember as a kid. a positive sign for the philippines I hope.
3a5m@reddit
If only PAL were a better airline, part of an alliance, and MNL NAIA airport didn't suck! I guess that's a lot of "what if's", but in another world, this could be a nice development for Asia award options.
filosofia66@reddit
Sizable Filipino community in the Chicago area.
Phospherus2@reddit
Not just Chicago. Milwaukee as well. These flights will be a hit
caverunner17@reddit
Surprised there's enough premium demand for a flight to MNL that's another 500km longer than ORD-HKG
Worried-Ebb-1699@reddit
It’s also cargo. Lots of it plus overweight/ excess checked bags
Far_Breakfast_5808@reddit
The Filipino diaspora in the US is BIG and there are so many one-stop options that there is enough of a market for some to go with a more expensive nonstop. MNL-JFK exists for a reason.
Narrow_Affect2648@reddit
Bunch of immigrants going home to extended families. Why layover in a country that’s not where you’re headed anyway.
caverunner17@reddit
Usually ULH flights are funded by business traffic though, not VFR.
If I recall HKG was around 16 hours from Chicago. Another 500km would be around what 16:40ish?
I’m just curious how financially this would make sense in the long run unless there are business ties. Usually nonstops are price significantly higher than a connecting flight.
filosofia66@reddit
Agree Filipino dispora in the particularly Chicago is quite big. Many with older family members may choose a more expensive non stop vs a cheaper 1 stop that involves a long layover w a lot lot of walking to the next gate.
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bonzothebonanza@reddit (OP)
https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/07/pal-set-to-fly-chicago-as-delta-backs-off