Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines have officially launched their new daily nonstop service connecting Manila and Doha, marking a significant milestone in the partnership between the two national carriers. The route was inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at Doha’s Hamad International Airport, attended by senior airline executives and government officials from both Qatar and the Philippines.
The new service, which will be operated by Philippine Airlines using its Airbus A330-300 aircraft, aims to strengthen connectivity between Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The aircraft features 18 flat-bed Business Class seats and 341 Economy Class seats, providing travellers with both comfort and capacity.
This codeshare partnership allows passengers flying from Manila to seamlessly connect through Qatar Airways’ global network of over 170 destinations via Hamad International Airport — recently named “Best Airport in the Middle East” by Skytrax in 2025. The agreement is expected to enhance travel options for passengers from key global markets, including Brazil, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States, heading to the Philippines.
Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antinori hailed the partnership as a strategic move that benefits both airlines and travellers. “This daily service marks the beginning of a strong partnership between our two airlines, paving the way for even closer ties between the Philippines and Qatar,” he said. “By working closely with Philippine Airlines, we will offer our customers from around the world a seamless travel experience and greater choice for connections to and from the Philippines.”
Philippine Airlines President Richard Nuttall echoed the sentiment, calling the new route a “strategic step forward” in boosting tourism and business travel. “Our partnership with Qatar Airways puts our valued guests at the forefront,” Nuttall said. “Together, we can focus clearly on further developing the Philippines-Qatar air travel market while ensuring seamless connections across our respective networks.”
Currently, Qatar Airways serves four destinations in the Philippines — Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao — giving passengers multiple entry points to explore the archipelago’s diverse and culturally rich regions.
The launch is also seen as a boost to both tourism and trade, with both airlines leveraging each other’s networks and operational strengths. Officials from both nations welcomed the partnership as a reflection of the growing diplomatic and economic ties between Qatar and the Philippines.
The daily service is now operational, further positioning Doha as a key aviation hub for global travellers heading to and from Southeast Asia.
