Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Qatar Airways celebrated the successful launch of their new daily direct service between Manila (MNL) and Doha (DOH) with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony held at Hamad International Airport (DOH). This significant event marks a new chapter in the strategic partnership between the two leading airlines, enhancing connectivity and travel options for passengers across their extensive networks.
The commemorative occasion was attended by key executive delegates from both airlines, including Philippine Airlines President Richard Nuttall, Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Carlos Luis Fernandez, and Vice President Revenue Management, Commercial Planning & Alliances Christoph Gaertner.
Richard Nuttall, President of Philippine Airlines, emphasized the customer-centric approach of the collaboration: “Our strategic partnership with Qatar Airways puts our valued guests in the forefront and enables us to draw from our respective strengths. Together, we can focus clearly on further developing the Philippines-Qatar air travel market while ensuring seamless connections across our respective networks.” He added, “I express my deepest thanks to all the government officials, airport authorities, service partners, and other stakeholders whose support is vital for the success of our partnership services. We are truly grateful to be your allies in this worthy endeavor.”
Mr. Thierry Antinori, Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, welcomed the new service, stating, “Qatar Airways is proud to celebrate the start of codeshare flights with Philippine Airlines. 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 for the benefit of both business and leisure travel.” He continued, “We welcome Philippine Airlines to our unrivalled portfolio of airline partnerships, which encompasses some of the best airlines in the world. 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, through the best hub in the Middle East: Hamad International Airport in Doha.”
The new daily nonstop flights are operated by Philippine Airlines’ long-range Airbus A330-300 aircraft. The dual-class configuration features 18 luxurious flat-bed seats in an exclusive Business Class cabin and 341 comfortable seats in the main Economy Class cabin.
The daily flight schedule is as follows:
- Manila (MNL) to Doha (DOH): Flight PR684/QR4946, departing at 18:50 and arriving at 23:40.
- Doha (DOH) to Manila (MNL): Flight PR685/QR4947, departing at 01:30 and arriving at 16:15.
Passengers flying from Manila to Doha can now seamlessly connect to Qatar Airways’ unparalleled global network of over 170 destinations via Hamad International Airport, which was voted the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ by Skytrax in 2025. This enhanced connectivity also offers travelers from key markets such as Europe, the Middle East, and Africa greater choice and convenience when traveling to the Philippines, facilitated by the Philippines’ national carrier and only full-service airline.
Qatar Airways currently serves four key cities in the Philippines, providing convenient entry points to some of the country’s most dynamic and culturally rich destinations, including the capital city of Manila, as well as Cebu, Clark, and Davao.
