Sixty years ago, a Philippine Airlines DC-8 named Mabuhay touched down in Sydney with 86 passengers on board. It was the first direct flight between Manila and Sydney – and the beginning of a story that’s carried millions of Filipinos and Australians 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.
Today, the Manila-Sydney 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.
To mark the milestone, Philippine Airlines has launched a week long anniversary sale from October 13 to 19 October 2025, giving Australians the chance to create their own Mabuhay Moment with return fares from Sydney to Manila from just $929 for travel after 1 February 2026.
Philippine Airlines President Richard Nuttall 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 Filipinos and Australians across the skies between Manila and Sydney. Since our inaugural service in 1965, we have carried millions of passengers, shared countless ‘Mabuhay Moments,’ and helped connect businesses, families, and travelers 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 and Australia are two neighbors that share far more than most Australians realize. While millions have flown the route, the Philippines remains one of the region’s most vibrant destinations – a country of over 7,000 islands where world-class beaches meet booming innovation, and where friendship, family and hospitality are a way of life.
