There’s a new connection taking off between the Philippines and Vietnam—and trust us, it’s one to get excited about! On July 1, 2025, Da Nang International Airport buzzed with energy and smiles as it officially welcomed Philippine Airlines’ inaugural direct flight from Manila. If you love travel, culture, and new adventures, this is pretty big news.
Let’s unpack what this means and why it’s making waves in both cities.
✈️ A Landmark Touchdown in Da Nang
At 12:45 PM sharp, Philippine Airlines Flight PR585 landed gracefully on the runway of Da Nang International Airport, carrying 193 excited passengers. It wasn’t just another flight—it was the airline’s very first touchdown in coastal Central Vietnam, marking the launch of a brand-new route between Manila and Da Nang.
This isn’t just about aviation; it’s about building bridges—cultural, economic, and touristic ones.
📅 Regular Flights, Greater Access
Three weekly flights will now connect these two dynamic cities every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, with plans to increase to four by November 2025. The 199-seat Airbus A321, offering 12 comfy business class seats, ensures there’s room for every kind of traveler—from curious backpackers to seasoned business execs.
Here’s what the current flight schedule looks like:
| Route | Flight No. | Departure (Local Time) | Arrival (Local Time) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manila → Da Nang | PR585 | 11:10 | 12:45 | Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday |
| Da Nang → Manila | PR586 | 13:35 | 17:10 | Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday |
🎉 A Celebration With Style
No first flight is complete without a true Vietnamese-style welcome. The celebration at Da Nang International Airport’s arrival hall was warm, elegant, and full of festive flair. Attendees included officials from Da Nang’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, leaders from local aviation agencies, border control officials, airline reps, and the media.
The highlight? The symbolic water salute for the arriving aircraft—followed by traditional music performances, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and thoughtful gifts for passengers. Let’s just say no detail was overlooked.
Philippine Airlines also organized a special send-off at the international departure hall for the outbound flight PR586, which took off at 1:35 PM, returning to Manila. Passengers on this inaugural journey were in for lovely surprises—welcome speeches, keepsakes, and kind smiles from the ground staff.
🚀 Why This Matters: Tourism and Economic Growth
According to Vietnam’s tourism officials, this route aligns perfectly with Da Nang’s vision of becoming a regional hub for “eco-tourism, diversified services, and sustainable development.” Mrs. Nguyen Thi Hoai An, Deputy Director of Da Nang’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, shared her enthusiasm:
“This new service marks the beginning of Da Nang’s next chapter as a vibrant and well-connected tourism destination.”
The numbers are looking up already. In 2024, over 65,000 Filipino visitors explored Da Nang. In just the first five months of 2025, that number is already at 49,000—more than double the same period last year. This upward trend shows just how attractive Central Vietnam has become for Filipino travelers.
🌏 Philippine Airlines: Your Gateway to the World
For those new to the airline, Philippine Airlines (PAL) holds the title of the national flag carrier of the Philippines. With a fleet that includes Boeing, Airbus, and De Havilland aircraft, PAL bridges the Philippines to 31 domestic and 38 international destinations across Asia, North America, Australia, and the Middle East.
From Vietnam, PAL now operates 24 direct flights per week from Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi to the Philippines. That’s a lot of opportunity to explore, reconnect, or simply escape.
Mr. Richard Nuttall, President of PAL, summed it up perfectly:
“We’re proud to launch this direct route between Manila and Da Nang. It brings two cultures closer and opens the Philippines’ wide array of destinations—from pristine islands to bustling cities—to our Vietnamese friends.”
💬 Final Takeaway
Direct flights between Manila and Da Nang aren’t just about shorter travel times—they’re about new connections, fresh possibilities, and shared stories between people from two beautiful regions.
So whether you’re a beach lover looking to explore Boracay, a foodie chasing pho in Da Nang, or just someone longing for a change of scenery—there’s now a direct line to your next adventure. And that’s something worth celebrating.
Time to pack that bag and let the journey begin.
📍 Brought to you by:
Da Nang Promotion Center for Tourism
Your trusted source for discovering all that Da Nang has to offer.