Philippine Airlines is deploying an Airbus A330 widebody jet on five Manila–Iloilo flights each week from December 8, 2025, through March 28, 2026. The carrier says this boosted capacity move is aimed at meeting surging holiday travel demand. It comes as part of PAL’s broad domestic expansion for the 2025–26 peak season: the airline will operate 1,154 weekly flights out of Manila (a 7% increase) and add over 14,000 seats during the holidays.
As part of this surge plan, PAL is lifting frequencies on several key routes. For example, Manila–Butuan flights will increase from 14 to 21 per week, Cagayan de Oro from 35 to 42, and Legazpi (Daraga) from 21 to 28. Services to Dumaguete and Tacloban will also rise (14→18 and 21→25 weekly, respectively). In addition, the airline is adding or expanding island services to tap tourism demand:
Mainland routes: Manila–Butuan (14→21 flights/week), Manila–Cagayan de Oro (35→42), Manila–Legazpi (21→28), Manila–Dumaguete (14→18), and Manila–Tacloban (21→25).
Island destinations: Daily Manila–Siargao service (with Cebu–Siargao 21/week and Clark–Siargao daily) to improve Visayas access; Manila–Boracay (Caticlan) at 42 weekly flights and Cebu–Boracay at 14; and expanded Coron (Busuanga) links – Manila 7, Clark 14, and Cebu 21 weekly flights.
“These additional flights and greater seat capacity reflect PAL’s commitment to increase connectivity across the archipelago, boost the local economy, and help drive tourism” said PAL Express President Rabbi Vincent Ang. He noted that by raising frequencies and deploying larger aircraft, PAL can “efficiently cater to the needs of travelers” during the busy season. The A330 deployment on the Iloilo route – the first time a widebody has been scheduled there – is a concrete example of this strategy to strengthen regional connectivity and handle the expected passenger surge.
PAL officials say the move is timely for the holiday travel rush. The airline is advising passengers to arrive earlier at airports and to check flight status online, as it prepares for heavier traffic. The use of Airbus A330s and the overall flight increases aim to ensure enough seats are available on popular routes from Manila during the Christmas and New Year period.
Ilonggo Traveler 
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