PAL Brings Back Direct Manila to Sapporo Flights for Winter

If you’ve been dreaming of a winter escape filled with snow festivals, hot bowls of ramen, and scenic ski resorts, here’s great news: Philippine Airlines (PAL) is bringing back its nonstop Manila to Sapporo flights just in time for winter. From 24 November 2025 to 27 March 2026, PAL will operate direct flights to Hokkaido three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with plans to continue offering this seasonal service each winter moving forward.

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Easy, direct access to Hokkaido

Image credit: Philippine Airlines Official Facebook Page

This route is perfect for Filipino travellers looking to experience Japan’s magical winter landscape without the hassle of stopovers. Flights to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport will depart Manila at 6:30 AM, arriving at 12:15 PM, while return flights leave Sapporo at 1:15 PM and land in Manila by 6:10 PM.

PAL will operate these flights using its Airbus A321neo, a fuel-efficient aircraft equipped with Wi-Fi and in-flight entertainment. It offers 12 seats in business class and 156 in economy, ensuring a comfortable journey to the heart of northern Japan.

Why visit Sapporo in winter?

Sapporo | Sean Pavone Photo via Canva Pro

Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island and a top destination for winter lovers. Known for its Sapporo Snow Festival in February, the city draws millions of visitors who come to marvel at enormous snow and ice sculptures that light up the city. Skiers and snowboarders flock to nearby resorts like Niseko and Furano, while foodies seek out local winter delicacies like miso ramen and fresh seafood.

If you’re craving a snowy adventure that blends outdoor fun with unforgettable food and culture, these direct flights to Hokkaido are your golden ticket.

PAL’s growing Japan network

Image credit: Travel Gaijinpot Official Website

The return of the PAL Manila–Sapporo route strengthens the airline’s robust Japan flight network. Aside from Sapporo, Philippine Airlines also flies nonstop to Tokyo (Haneda and Narita), Osaka Kansai, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, with additional Cebu to Japan flights to both Osaka and Tokyo.

With this lineup, PAL remains the leading Philippine airline for Japan travel, offering seamless connections from both Metro Manila and Cebu to some of Japan’s most visited cities.

A reconnection years in the making

PAL originally operated the Manila–Sapporo flights from 2018 until early 2020. Now, after a brief hiatus, the route is back, just in time for travellers seeking fresh air, stunning winter views, and unique seasonal experiences.

According to PAL president Richard Nuttall, the route is about more than just convenience. It’s also a way to strengthen cultural ties, encourage tourism between the Philippines and Japan, and offer more travel choices to Filipinos and Japanese visitors alike.

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Snowy adventures are just a flight away

Whether you're chasing snow for the first time or returning for the ramen and ski runs, the revival of seasonal flights to Sapporo opens new doors for winter travel. With PAL’s convenient flight times, comfortable aircraft, and expanding Japan routes, this is the ideal time to plan your cold-weather getaway.

You can now book your trip through the PAL website. With Manila to Sapporo flights back in service, it’s the perfect time to pack your coat, ready your camera, and experience the magic of winter in Japan.