PAL to Launch Manila-Sapporo Route on December 2018

After being postponed due to the earthquake that hit Hokkaido in September, the drop in passenger bookings made it unavoidable to reschedule the launch date of Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) Manila – Sapporo route later than October 8, 2018, which was supposedly the opening of the route. Hokkaido has successfully recovered from the earthquake and PAL has been able to rebuild its passenger loads.

The new Airbus A321neo / IMAGE Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airlines Manila – Sapporo route will now be launched on December 7, 2018, in time for the December tourism season. PALs’ new route will be the first and only direct link between the Philippines and Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. Hokkaido is a popular holiday tourist destination for locals and expats alike.

Also read: JAPAN SPECIAL: Revisit Hakodate and Warm Yourself Up in Noboribetsu

The brand new 168-seater Airbus A321neo which boasts 12 full-flat seats in business class and 156 seats in a spacious economy cabin will be utilized for the new Sapporo route.

Economy Class of Airbus A321neo / IMAGE Philippine Airlines

The schedule of the PAL Sapporo service, starting the 7th of December is as follows:

• PR406 departs from Manila every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1:55 a.m. and arrives in Sapporo (Chitose) at 8:30 a.m.
• PR405 leaves Sapporo (Chitose) on the same days at 9:45 a.m. and arrives in Manila at 2:15 p.m.

Also read: A Complete Guide to Hakodate, Japan for travelers in the Philippines

Philippine Airlines has also advised the public that transportation services in the Hokkaido region such as trains, buses, and ferries are now operating normally. Tourist services (hotels, shops, and restaurants) are also back to their normal operations.  Some roads that are near the epicenter will remain closed, however, other roads are now open.

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Passengers may already start booking their flights to Sapporo via the Philippine Airlines website. You may also call their hotline at (02) 855-8888. You can also visit any of their ticketing offices or travel agency partners.