Philippine Airlines has applied for approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to launch nonstop service between Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), a route that would establish the first direct air link between the Philippines and the American Midwest. The application, filed with the DOT, aims for a summer 2026 launch, according to a statement released by Philippine Airlines on February 27, 2026.
The proposed route, spanning 8,121 miles, would be among the world’s longest commercial flights. Philippine Airlines anticipates significant demand for the service, citing data showing approximately 118,200 passengers traveled between Chicago and the Philippines in the twelve months ending June 2025, currently relying on connecting flights through cities like Taipei, Seoul, and Hong Kong. The airline believes the direct connection will cater to the growing Filipino-American community in the Midwest and reinforce its position in travel between the two nations.
The application leverages the existing U.S.-Philippines Air Service Agreement, which allows Philippine carriers to operate flights to several U.S. Destinations, including Honolulu, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, as well as four additional points selected by the Philippine government. Chicago has been designated as one of those additional destinations. If approved, Chicago would become Philippine Airlines’ sixth U.S. Gateway and seventh in North America.
Currently, Philippine Airlines operates 44 weekly roundtrip flights between Manila and North American cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Latest York JFK, Vancouver, and Toronto, representing approximately 68.5% of the capacity in the North America-Philippines market, according to OAG Schedules Analyzer data. United Airlines also serves the market with flights between San Francisco and Manila.
Philippine Airlines plans to utilize its new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft for the Manila-Chicago route. The airline received its first A350-1000 in December 2025, with eight more on order, five of which are scheduled for delivery in 2026. The A350-1000 has a range of approximately 9,000 nautical miles, making it suitable for the long-haul flight. The airline has identified North America as a key market for the A350-1000, aiming to enhance passenger comfort on ultra-long-distance routes.
The demand for a direct route is driven, in part, by the significant Filipino-American population in the United States, estimated at around 4.7 million, making it the third-largest Asian-American group. While California has the largest concentration, substantial communities also reside in the Midwest. Philippine Airlines is offering promotional fares starting at $792 for roundtrip tickets, aiming to compete with existing connecting flight options.
Industry observers anticipate DOT approval, given the framework established by the bilateral air service agreement. The introduction of the nonstop service is expected to strengthen Manila’s position as a key aviation hub in Southeast Asia and enhance Chicago O’Hare’s role as an international gateway. Philippine Airlines intends to integrate the Chicago route into its existing network, facilitating connections to domestic destinations within the Philippines and other locations in Asia.
