Flights have resumed between the UK and the Philippines for the first time in more than a decade.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) ran its first European flight for 15 years yesterday (November 4) with its new service from Manila to Heathrow. The carrier had stopped services to Europe in 1998.
The airline is to operate on the route five times per week from Heathrow’s Terminal 4 with a flying time of around 12 hours 30 minutes. PAL would like to make it a daily service if appropriate slots at Heathrow become available.
Heathrow’s chief executive Colin Matthews said: “Because Heathrow is full, it’s difficult to find slots for new arrivals and this has taken years of negotiation.
“While it’s a success story for Heathrow and the UK, linking British businesses to trading opportunities in a key emerging market, it also shows the challenge of putting these links in place.
“Without a larger hub airport, the UK can expect to fall behind in the global race for trade, jobs and economic growth.”
KLM remains the only European carrier with direct flights to the Philippines.
philippineairlines.com