Air Canada is set to launch its inaugural nonstop service between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, Philippines. Starting April 2, 2025, the year-round flights will operate four times a week using the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with options for Signature Class, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins.
This new route marks a significant milestone in Air Canada’s international expansion, making it the only Canadian airline to offer scheduled flights to the Philippines—a rapidly growing market known for its strong familial ties to Canada and increasing trade and tourism potential. The Vancouver-Manila route is Air Canada’s third new Southeast Asian destination in just two years, following successful services to Singapore and Bangkok.
Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s Executive Vice President of Revenue and Network Planning, expressed excitement about the addition, stating, “The Philippines is an important market reflecting long-standing connections, and with our extensive domestic and transborder network at YVR, we’re making travel between North America and the Philippines more convenient for both leisure and business travelers.”
Vancouver’s role as a key Pacific gateway is highlighted by the airline’s expansion. With Manila now included, Air Canada will operate 12 transpacific routes from YVR, connecting to destinations such as Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. This summer, the airline will offer more than 180 weekly flights between Canada and the Pacific region—marking the highest number of nonstop flights by any carrier on these routes.
The announcement comes at a significant time, coinciding with the Team Canada Trade Mission to the Philippines, which celebrates 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Tickets for flights from Canada to Manila are available now on the Air Canada website, with flights from Manila to be available for sale soon.
The flight schedule will begin on April 2, 2025, with flight AC17 departing Vancouver at 1:55 a.m. and arriving in Manila at 6:20 a.m. the following day. Return flight AC18 will depart Manila at 9:25 a.m. and land in Vancouver at 6:20 a.m. the same day, local time. Starting May 1, 2025, the airline will increase the frequency of service to four weekly flights, with departures on different days to accommodate a wider range of travel preferences.
Passengers will enjoy Air Canada’s comprehensive in-flight entertainment system, offering thousands of hours of movies, TV shows, music, and podcasts. Premium passengers will also have access to exclusive lounges, including the Vancouver Air Canada Signature Suite and the Air Canada International Maple Leaf Lounge. Additionally, Air Canada’s efficient customs pre-clearance at YVR and connections to over 50 North American destinations will offer travelers a seamless experience when exploring the Philippines or continuing onward to other cities across Canada and the United States.
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