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Route cuts leave Saipan without PAL service until late 2026

Passengers check in for Philippine Airlines inaugural flight at the Francisco C. Ada International Airport. PAL resumed its Saipan-Manila service on March 30.
POI Aviation
Passengers check in for Philippine Airlines inaugural flight at the Francisco C. Ada International Airport. PAL resumed its Saipan-Manila service on March 30.

Philippine Airlines is suspending its Manila–Saipan service until late October as part of a broader realignment of its international routes, the flag carrier announced in a corporate statement Saturday.

The airline said the changes were prompted by “changing conditions affecting global aviation,” adding that it “sincerely apologize[s] for the inconvenience” to travelers. PAL said it is reviewing the affected routes and working to minimize disruptions.

Service on the Manila–Saipan–Manila route (PR 2571/2572) is suspended until Oct. 22, 2026, according to the advisory. The Cebu–Osaka–Cebu flights (PR 410/409) will also be suspended from July 1 to Oct. 24, 2026, with several operational exceptions in July, August and September.

Travelers may rebook within 60 days in the same cabin class without penalties, convert their tickets into travel credits, or request a full refund “in accordance with applicable policies.” Passengers who booked through travel agencies are advised to coordinate directly with their agents.

Cargo operations on the suspended routes will also be affected. PAL said it is working with logistics partners “to explore alternative routing options to support the continued movement of goods.”

Passengers may seek assistance through PAL’s website and customer service lines, including Manila landlines (+632 8539-0000 and +632 8855-8888), the Philippines mobile hotline (+63 919-056-2255), the U.S. and Canada toll‑free number (1‑800‑435‑9725), Messenger, WhatsApp, and the PAL Help Page.

“Our teams remain ready to assist affected passengers,” the airline said, thanking customers for their understanding and continued trust.

Bryan is a seasoned journalist based in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, reporting on regional issues for KPRG News.