Here’s our weekly roundup of new air routes and codeshare partnerships
Philippine Airlines restarts seasonal Manila-Sapporo route
Philippine Airlines (PAL) will resume seasonal direct flights between Manila and Sapporo from November 24, 2025 to March 27, 2026. The service will reconnect the Philippine capital with northern Japan during the winter travel season.
Flights to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport will operate every Monday, Wednesday and Friday using the airline’s Airbus A321neo aircraft. PAL intends for this route to operate during every subsequent winter season from November to March.
The 168-seat Airbus A321neo is configured with 12 business class and 156 economy class seats, and is equipped with in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi.
PAL operates an extensive network between the Philippines and Japan, offering direct services to Osaka Kansai, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Tokyo Haneda and Tokyo Narita, as well as flights from Cebu to Osaka Kansai and Tokyo Narita.
Loong Air adds Xi’an-Kuala Lumpur flights
Loong Air has launched its new Xi’an-Kuala Lumpur service, with the inaugural flight arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 today. The route marks a step forward in strengthening tourism and economic ties between Malaysia and China.
The launch was marked by a ceremony attended by senior officials from Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Airports Holdings and Loong Air.
The route is operated using a 174-seat Airbus A320 and runs three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Vietjet to launch daily Danang-Kuala Lumpur service in October
Vietjet will introduce a new direct route between Danang and Kuala Lumpur, beginning October 26, 2025. The daily round-trip service will enhance connectivity between central Vietnam and Malaysia’s capital city.
This marks Vietjet’s third direct route linking Vietnam and Malaysia, and follows the airline’s continued network expansion across South-east Asia. The new service comes after the introduction of 12 international routes in 2025, including new destinations in China, India, Japan and Singapore.
Saudia, Vietnam Airlines sign codeshare agreement
Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, has signed a codeshare agreement with Vietnam Airlines to improve connectivity between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia.
The agreement allows passengers to travel on flights connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Jeddah and Riyadh, and to book itineraries through either airline, including flights operated by the partner carrier. The arrangement aims to offer greater flexibility and a more streamlined booking experience.
The partnership supports Saudia’s plans to expand its network and enhance passenger services, both on the ground and in the air. It also supports Saudi Arabia’s aim to connect with over 250 destinations and attract 150 million visits by 2030.
