Philippine Airlines has launched a week long anniversary sale to mark 60 years of ties between Sydney and Manila.
It was in 1965 that a Philippine Airlines DC-8 named ‘Mabuhay’ touched down in Sydney with 86 passengers on board.
It was the first direct flight between Sydney and Manila – and the beginning of a story that’s carried millions of Australians and Filipinos across the skies ever since.
From just two flights a week in 1965, the route has grown into a vital daily connection served by multiple airlines, linking two dynamic cities and two close friends in the Asia-Pacific.
Almost 300,000 Australians visited the Philippines in 2024, making Australia the 13th largest inbound market. Two-way trade reached $10.2 billion in 2023, with 250+ Australian companies operating in the Philippines.
Today, the Sydney–Manila connection is about more than air travel – it’s a living bridge for families, business, culture and community, while showcasing the Heart of the Filipino.
Running until October 19, the anniversary sale gives Australians the chance to create their own ‘Mabuhay Moment’ with return fares from Sydney to Manila from $929 for travel after February 1, 2026.
Richard Nuttall, Philippine Airlines President (above right), said the anniversary was a proud moment for the flag carrier – one that speaks to the enduring connection between the Philippines and Australia.
“Philippine Airlines is proud to have flown generations of Australians and Filipinos across the skies between Sydney and Manila,” he said.
“Since our inaugural service in 1965, we have carried millions of passengers, shared countless ‘Mabuhay Moments’ and helped connect businesses, families and travellers alike.
“As we look to the next 60 years, PAL remains committed to delivering world-class service and care that comes from the heart.”
The Philippines remains one of the region’s most vibrant destinations – a country of more than 7,000 islands where world-class beaches meet innovation and where friendship, family and hospitality are a way of life.
https://flights.philippineairlines.com/en-au/
