Monday, June 30, 2025

In a strategic move to enhance international connectivity, Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines (PAL) have launched daily nonstop flights between Manila (MNL) and Doha (DOH), marking a new chapter in their codeshare partnership. This collaboration is designed to provide passengers with more travel options, while also ensuring seamless connections between the Philippines and Qatar. By combining the strengths of both carriers, the new service promises to expand travel opportunities across multiple international markets, benefiting both business and leisure travelers alike.

The launch of the Manila–Doha route was celebrated with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at Hamad International Airport (DOH). The event was attended by key executives from both airlines, including Philippine Airlines President Richard Nuttall, Executive Vice President Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez, and Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antinori. These leaders underscored the importance of the partnership and how it will enhance the travel experience for passengers flying between the Philippines and Qatar, as well as connecting onward to other global destinations.

Philippine Airlines is operating the Manila–Doha service using its long-range Airbus A330-300 aircraft, which are configured in a dual-class layout. The aircraft features 18 flat-bed seats in Business Class and 341 seats in Economy Class, ensuring passengers can enjoy comfort on their long-haul journey. The A330-300 is known for its fuel efficiency and spacious interiors, offering a comfortable ride for travelers making the 8-hour journey between the two cities.

The new codeshare flights will operate under the flight numbers QR4946/PR684 for the Manila–Doha sector and QR4947/PR685 for the Doha–Manila sector. The flight schedule is as follows:

These flight times are optimized to facilitate convenient connections through Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways’ state-of-the-art hub. Passengers will have access to an expansive network of more than 170 destinations across Africa, the Americas, Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. This integration allows travelers to seamlessly transfer between flights, making it easier to reach far-flung destinations.

The codeshare agreement between Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines is part of a broader strategy to enhance air travel between the Philippines and Qatar while also expanding connectivity to other parts of the world. Through this partnership, passengers flying from Manila to Doha can take advantage of seamless connections to destinations in Europe, the Middle East, North America, and beyond. This collaboration allows both airlines to offer a wider variety of choices to travelers, ensuring that passengers can easily connect to multiple international markets.

Thierry Antinori, Chief Commercial Officer of Qatar Airways, emphasized the significance of the partnership, saying, “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 added that the collaboration enhances both airlines’ global reach and improves the overall travel experience for customers.

Philippine Airlines President Richard Nuttall echoed these sentiments, stating, “Our strategic partnership with Qatar Airways puts our valued guests at 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.” The partnership is expected to open up numerous opportunities for travelers seeking greater flexibility, with better connections to regional and global destinations.

The Manila–Doha route adds to Qatar Airways’ already extensive operations in the Philippines. The airline currently serves four cities in the Philippines: Manila (MNL), Cebu (CEB), Clark (CRK), and Davao (DVO). Qatar Airways’ presence in the Philippines is further bolstered by this new codeshare partnership with Philippine Airlines, which now gives passengers even more access to secondary destinations within the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

Philippine Airlines operates a fleet of Airbus A330-300s, which are perfect for long-haul services such as the Manila–Doha route. These aircraft feature a two-class configuration, which includes flat-bed seats in Business Class for those looking to maximize comfort on their international flight, as well as a spacious Economy Class cabin designed to accommodate more passengers. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways operates a diverse fleet that includes Airbus A320, A330, A350, A380, and Boeing 777 aircraft. As a member of the oneworld alliance, Qatar Airways continues to provide exceptional service and maintain a modern fleet that caters to passengers’ diverse needs.

The launch of the Manila–Doha codeshare flights is a key milestone in the collaboration between Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines. As both airlines continue to develop their partnership, they are already exploring the potential for expanding codeshare routes to other destinations and integrating their frequent flyer programs. This collaboration is expected to not only increase access for travelers but also strengthen the economic and cultural ties between the Philippines and Qatar.

This partnership has the potential to reshape the way people travel between the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Both airlines are dedicated to improving the travel experience by offering passengers a wider range of destinations, as well as greater convenience and comfort. The combined strengths of Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines will no doubt contribute to a more seamless and rewarding travel experience for customers flying between these two key regions.

Travelers interested in booking flights on the Manila–Doha route can visit the official websites of Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines for more information on schedules, fares, and booking options. With this new codeshare agreement, passengers can look forward to an enhanced travel experience, with greater flexibility and smoother connections across the globe.

The launch of the Manila–Doha codeshare flights represents an exciting step in the growing collaboration between Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines. This partnership not only enhances connectivity between the Philippines and Qatar but also improves access to an extensive global network of destinations. As both airlines work together to provide better travel options and experiences for passengers, the future of air travel between the Philippines and Qatar looks bright. Whether for business or leisure, passengers can now enjoy a smoother, more comfortable journey with seamless connections, greater flexibility, and enhanced service on both ends of their flight.

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