PAL Express
A Philippine low-cost and regional carrier operating domestic and short-haul international flights under the PAL Express brand, with an extensive network centred on Manila, Cebu City and Davao City.
About PAL Express
PAL Express is the operating brand of Air Philippines Corporation, whose legal name is also commonly rendered as Airphil Express. The Philippine carrier was founded in 1995 and began flying in 1996, later operating under the Air Philippines and Airphil Express identities before adopting the PAL Express brand. It is part of the Philippine Airlines group and performs an important regional and domestic role alongside the country’s flag carrier.
Manila is PAL Express’s primary hub and its largest departure point, followed by Cebu City and Davao City. City of Angeles and Zamboanga are also significant bases within its network. The airline operates 108 routes serving 33 destinations across four countries, although its schedule is principally focused on linking major Philippine cities with provincial, island and leisure destinations. International flying is limited to selected regional services, including Manila–Kuala Lumpur.
Aircraft associated with PAL Express include the Airbus A320 and the De Havilland Canada DHC-8-300 and DHC-8-400 Dash 8 turboprops. The A320 is suited to busier trunk and regional routes, while the Dash 8 family can serve smaller airports and thinner domestic markets efficiently. Cabin arrangements and onboard inclusions may differ by aircraft and fare, so passengers should check the operating aircraft and conditions displayed for their particular flight.
PAL Express is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld, but its close integration with Philippine Airlines provides useful connectivity across the wider PAL network. Eligible travel can participate in Mabuhay Miles, Philippine Airlines’ frequent-flyer programme, subject to the booked fare and applicable earning rules. Members can earn and redeem miles across qualifying PAL-operated journeys and participating programme partners.
A major strength of PAL Express is its reach within the Philippine archipelago, particularly on routes where turboprop aircraft provide direct access to smaller communities and holiday gateways. The practical challenge is that domestic operations can be affected by tropical weather, congested airports and aircraft changes. Travellers making separate or time-sensitive connections should allow a generous buffer and verify the terminal, baggage arrangements and latest operating schedule before departure.
Good to know
Flying with PAL Express — what to expect
Check Your Operator
PAL Express services may be sold through Philippine Airlines, so confirm the operating carrier and aircraft during booking. The aircraft type can affect cabin layout, overhead storage and onboard amenities.
Baggage Varies
Cabin and checked-baggage entitlements depend on the fare, route and ticket conditions. Review the allowance shown on your booking rather than assuming all PAL Express fares include the same benefits.
Turboprop Flights
Regional routes may use Dash 8 turboprops, which generally have smaller cabins and more limited overhead-bin space than Airbus A320 aircraft. Larger cabin bags may need to be checked or handled at the aircraft.
Allow Connection Time
Leave a generous margin for connections through busy Philippine airports, especially when changing terminals or travelling during poor weather. Confirm whether baggage will be transferred to an onward flight.
Airport Details Matter
Check both the airport and terminal before travelling, particularly around Manila and City of Angeles. Operational changes can affect departure details, and airport names alone may not make the location obvious.
Miles Eligibility
Mabuhay Miles credit depends on the fare class and ticket rules. Add your membership number before departure and retain boarding documents until the flight has posted to your account.
Network overview
Where PAL Express flies
PAL Express operates 108 routes to 33 destinations across 4 countries, its longest sector reaching Kuala Lumpur to Manila (2,489 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities PAL Express flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Kuala Lumpur → Manila
2,489 km · KUL → MNL
The longest sector in the PAL Express network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by PAL Express
Notable destinations on PAL Express's network.
2PManiladirect2PCebu Citydirect2PDavao Citydirect2PCity of Angelesdirect2PZamboangadirect2PIloilodirect2PPuerto Princesadirect2PCagayan De Orodirect2PGeneral Santosdirect2PKalibodirect2PBacoloddirect2PBusuangadirectDestination list is indicative of PAL Express's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Philippines
Other airlines based in Philippines
FAQ
PAL Express — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- The busiest departure points are Manila, Cebu City, Davao City, City of Angeles and Zamboanga, in that order by number of routes. Manila offers the broadest range of PAL Express connections.
- Carry-on limits can vary by fare, route and operating aircraft, with tighter storage often available on Dash 8 turboprops. Check the baggage allowance printed on your ticket or displayed in Philippine Airlines’ manage-booking tools before departure.
- PAL Express primarily connects cities and island destinations across the Philippines, including Cebu City, Davao City, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, General Santos, Kalibo, Bacolod and Busuanga. It also operates selected short-haul international services.
- PAL Express serves exactly 33 destinations across four countries. Its network comprises 108 routes.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee, so travellers can compare available PAL Express prices without an extra Originfacts charge.
- Manila is PAL Express’s primary and busiest departure hub. Cebu City and Davao City are its next most important network centres, followed by City of Angeles and Zamboanga.
- Fares are often lower when booked ahead for off-peak travel and midweek departures, outside major Philippine holidays and school breaks. Compare nearby dates because prices vary with demand and remaining fare inventory.
- PAL Express’s longest route is Kuala Lumpur to Manila, covering about 2,489 km nonstop. Schedules and operating arrangements can change seasonally, so confirm availability for your intended dates.