A new chapter in Philippine-Canada relations unveiled recently as the Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed Air Canada’s maiden flight connecting Manila to Vancouver, enhancing travel, trade, and tourism between the two nations.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco with Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, Air Canada Managing Director Rocky Lo and Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman led the arrival and send-off ceremony for the maiden direct flight connecting Manila to Vancouver at Gate 116 at NAIA Terminal 3.
This marks Air Canada’s first-ever non-stop flight to Manila, a significant milestone in the long-standing relationship between the Philippines and Canada.
The ribbon-and cake-cutting ceremony highlighted the 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Frasco emphasized the route’s significance for both travel and strengthening cultural and economic ties. With nearly 1 million Filipinos in Canada, the new non-stop flight route will be available all-year round aims to improve accessibility for Filipinos and Canadians alike.
“It provides Filipino-Canadians easier access to theirhomeland and, at the same time, presents Canadians withenormous opportunities to explore our country.”
“Today’s inaugural flight represents more than just meretravel, for it symbolizes a powerful bridge connecting ourcountries closer than ever before. It providesFilipino-Canadians easier access to their homeland and, atthe same time, presents Canadians with enormousopportunities to explore our country’s natural wonders, ourrich biodiversity, our vibrant culture, and our proudheritage,” the tourism chief said.
The tourism head also underscored the crucial role of improved air connectivity in fostering stronger trade and business relations in further solidifying the Philippines’ strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region.
Additionally, she commended Air Canada for selecting the Philippines as its newest destination in Southeast Asia, a clear recognition of the growing global demand for travel to the Philippines.
Air Canada, the largest full-service airline in Canada, is expanding its footprint in Southeast Asia by introducing direct flights to the Philippines.
As the only Canadian carrier serving the country, this new route fills in an opportunity in the market, as the Philippines has been the largest market in Asia without direct Air Canada service.
“This new route is also designed to allow customers to conveniently connect to and from more than 50 destinations across North America, utilizing our Boeing 787 Dreamliner.”
According to the airline, this new route is also designed to allow customers to conveniently connect to and from more than 50 destinations across North America, utilizing its Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
“To all of our valued travelers, welcome to The Philippines. We invite you to discover the many reasons to love ourbeloved country and experience firsthand the unparalleledwarmth and hospitality of the Filipino people,” Frasco added.
Canada is a top source market for the Philippines, ranking sixth in tourist arrivals with 269,300 visitors contributing $304.32 million to the local economy. last year. As of April 3, 2025, the Philippines has welcomed 1,682,531 visitors, including 91,671 from Canada.
This new route is anticipated to bolster ties between the two countries, creating opportunities for business, cultural exchange, and tourism, and likewise supports the DOT’s vision of a globally connected Philippines.
