Why are flights to Philippines so expensive in 2026?
A perfect storm of longer flight paths, airport fee hikes, and grounded planes has pushed fares to the Philippines up by 60% compared to a few years ago.
A return ticket from London to Manila this December now costs around £1,350 or more. The same trip in 2019? About £850. So what’s going on?
First, planes can’t fly over Russia or Ukraine anymore. That adds up to 3.5 extra hours to your journey. Airlines burn more fuel and need extra crew, and you pay for it. This Russian airspace ban hits Europe-to-Asia routes especially hard.
Second, Manila’s main airport just got privatized. The new operators are raising fees sharply to fund a $3 billion upgrade. Landing charges and passenger taxes are jumping significantly in 2025. Airlines pass every penny on to you.
Third, engine problems have grounded many planes in the Philippines. Cebu Pacific has had to park a chunk of its fleet due to a manufacturing defect. Fewer seats in the market means higher prices everywhere.
Finally, Christmas is peak season. Millions of Filipino workers living abroad fly home no matter the cost. Airlines know this and price tickets accordingly. Whether you book with Philippine Airlines, Emirates, or Qatar Airways, you’ll feel it.
The outlook: Don’t expect bargains anytime soon. The airport fees are here to stay, and the engine issues won’t be fully resolved until late 2026. Your best bet is booking early or travelling in the quieter months of February or March.
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We monitor all major airports in Europe for cheap flights to Asia, including:
- London (LHR) — UK
- Paris (CDG) — France
- Amsterdam (AMS) — Netherlands
- Madrid (MAD) — Spain
- Frankfurt (FRA) — Germany
- Rome (FCO) — Italy
- Athens (ATH) — Greece
- Vienna (VIE) — Austria
- Zurich (ZRH) — Switzerland
- Warsaw (WAW) — Poland

Departure airports in Europe and destinations in APAC covered by Superdeals.

Superdeals to Philippines
Fly for half price (or less)
Airlines don't design their pricing systems to offer half-price tickets. However, when algorithms detect demand shortfalls for specific routes, automated systems apply steep discounts to fill planes. Airlines would rather accept losses than fly with empty seats.
ATC monitors thousands of routes from Europe 24/7, detecting Superdeals with 40–80% discounts. While a typical return flight from Europe to Manila costs €900+, with Superdeals you can often grab it for around €350:
Which airlines have promotions to Philippines right now?
We track and curate genuine offers from 150+ airlines, hand-picking only the most valuable for your wallet.
Which carriers have sales and special offers for flights in February, March, April and beyond? You can now browse the entire collection of active promotions:
Browse promos →Popular airlines with frequent offers from Europe:
Travel hacks and insights
for Europe — Philippines flights
Verified strategies to save money and avoid friction on routes to Philippines.
Mindanao travel advisory warnings
Most Western governments (UK, US, EU) maintain “Do Not Travel” advisories for western and central Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago due to kidnapping and terrorism risks. Travel insurance is void in these specific zones.
Tourist areas like Siargao, Camiguin, and Davao City are generally considered safe (Level 2), but overland travel across Mindanao is discouraged. Always fly directly into safe hubs rather than taking long-distance buses/ferries through conflict-prone provinces.
Saudia undercuts legacy carriers by €300-500
Saudia and Kuwait Airways aggressively price Europe-Manila routes at €550-700, undercutting KLM, Emirates, and Qatar Airways by 30-40%. The trade-off is a dry airline policy (no alcohol) and layovers in Jeddah or Kuwait City.
These carriers often deploy older aircraft on the Manila leg, but the financial savings are substantial for families. If booking for the December peak, these fares typically remain available 4-6 weeks longer than major alliance inventory.
Grab beats airport taxis by 40-50%
Manila Airport’s “coupon taxis” and unmetered white taxis are notorious for overcharging tourists by 300-400%. Download the Grab app before arrival and use the dedicated Grab pickup booths at Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
A Grab ride to Makati or BGC typically costs ₱300-500 (€5-9), whereas taxi touts often demand ₱1,500-2,500 (€25-45). The app provides a fixed price and tracks your journey, offering a significant safety layer against scams.
Strict onward ticket enforcement
Airlines in Europe will deny boarding if you cannot show proof of an onward or return ticket from the Philippines within 30 days (for visa-free entry). This is enforced more strictly here than almost anywhere else in Southeast Asia.
If your exit date is uncertain, buy a fully refundable ticket or use a legitimate onward ticket service for $12-15. Do not rely on “explaining” your plans to check-in agents; they face heavy fines for boarding passengers without documented exit travel.
Currency exchange rates at airports
Manila Airport (NAIA) exchange rates are surprisingly competitive compared to other global hubs, often better than high street banks in Europe. However, rates drop significantly once you leave Manila for the islands.
Exchange a significant portion of your cash to Philippine Pesos (PHP) at NAIA or withdraw from ATMs there. ATMs in remote areas like El Nido or Siargao frequently run out of cash or have lower withdrawal limits/high fees.
Separate tickets require immigration entry
If you book a “self-transfer” (separate tickets) through Manila, you must clear immigration and customs to collect your bags and re-check them. You cannot use the transit desk. This triggers the need for a visa (if yours isn’t visa-free) and full entry procedures.
Queues at Manila immigration can take 60-90 minutes during peak arrival banks (afternoon/evening). Ensure you have at least 4-5 hours between flights. If your first flight is delayed, your second ticket is void with no recourse.
What travelers ask most
Expert answers on routing, carriers, timing, and fees
What are the new terminal assignments for airlines at Manila (MNL)?
As of late 2025, NAIA has been reshuffling airlines to optimize capacity under its new private management. Philippine Airlines continues to consolidate operations primarily in Terminal 1 and 2, while several foreign carriers (including some Middle East and Asian airlines used by Europeans) have shifted assignments. Always check your specific terminal on the official Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) website or your airline app 24 hours before departure. Transferring between terminals still requires 3-4 hours due to heavy traffic on the service roads, so do not rely on old terminal info from previous trips.
Do I need to register my SIM card immediately upon arrival?
Yes, strict enforcement of the SIM Card Registration Act continues throughout 2025. When you buy a tourist SIM (Globe or Smart) at the airport, it will be deactivated unless you register it immediately by uploading your passport and return flight ticket via the carrier’s portal. Tourist SIMs remain valid for only 30 days; if your trip is longer, you must visit a carrier store to request an extension. Unregistered SIMs stop working almost immediately, leaving you without maps or Grab access, so complete this at the airport kiosk where staff can assist you.
Do European citizens need a visa for the Philippines?
No, most European passport holders (including EU, UK, and Swiss citizens) receive a 30-day visa-free entry stamp upon arrival. You simply need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your stay and a confirmed outbound ticket leaving the Philippines within that 30-day window. If you plan to stay longer, you can apply for a 59-day tourist visa at a Philippine embassy in Europe beforehand, or extend your stay for a fee (approx. €50) at a Bureau of Immigration office in major Philippine cities.
Is it safe to use taxis at Manila airport?
Avoid random white taxis flagging you down, as overcharging scams are common. Instead, download the Grab app (Southeast Asia’s Uber) using airport WiFi to book a car with a fixed, transparent price—usually 300-500 PHP to Makati or BGC. If you can’t use the app, queue specifically for the “Yellow Metered Airport Taxis” which are officially regulated, or use the fixed-rate “Coupon Taxi” counters (more expensive but safe). Never get into a car with a solicitor offering a ride from the arrivals lobby; the price will be triple the standard rate.
Can I drink the tap water in the Philippines?
No, never drink tap water anywhere in the Philippines, including in luxury hotels. Always stick to sealed bottled water or filtered water from reputable dispensers. Brush your teeth with bottled water to be safe, especially in remote island areas. Ice in malls and chain restaurants is generally produced in regulated factories and is safe, but avoid ice in street food stalls or remote village canteens. A “traveler’s tummy” can ruin your trip, so being cautious with water and raw vegetables is worth the effort.
What is the best month to visit to avoid typhoons?
The dry season runs from December to May, making it the ideal window for European travelers seeking sun. January and February are perfect—sunny but slightly cooler (28°C) and less humid. Avoid the peak typhoon season from July to October, when flight cancellations and ferry suspensions are common due to tropical storms. However, the Philippines has regional climates; while Luzon (Manila) is wet in August, areas like Siargao in the southeast are actually dry during European summer, offering a good off-peak alternative.
What is the best way to get cash in the Philippines?
Rely on ATMs, but be strategic because most machines have a low withdrawal limit of 10,000 PHP (approx. €150-160) per transaction and charge a roughly 250 PHP access fee for foreign cards. BPI and HSBC ATMs sometimes allow higher limits (up to 20,000 PHP), saving you on repeated fees. “Cash is king” in the islands—El Nido, Siargao, and Port Barton often have offline ATMs or network issues, so withdraw ample cash in Manila or Cebu before flying to smaller islands. Always choose “charge in PHP” (local currency) to avoid poor dynamic currency conversion rates.
How does Air Traveler Club find cheap flights to the Philippines?
We use AI-powered monitoring to scan thousands of route combinations from Europe to Asia every hour, detecting pricing anomalies that airlines don’t advertise. When a carrier like Etihad or Turkish Airlines drops fares to fill empty seats or match a competitor—for example, Frankfurt to Manila for €520 instead of the usual €950—our system flags it instantly. Human experts verify the deal to ensure the layovers are reasonable before sending it to our members. You get the alert via our free newsletter and book directly with the airline, ensuring full safety and mileage earnings.
Nonstop (direct) vs 1-stop
How much do flights from Europe to Philippines cost?
Nonstop Europe-Philippines flights take 13-15 hours and cost 20-40% more than connecting alternatives. Major hubs in France, Germany, and United Kingdom—including Paris, Amsterdam, and London—offer the most frequent service, primarily to Manila (MNL).
Direct service justifies its premium for business travelers, families, or when price differences stay below €300-400—otherwise, strategic one-stop routing typically delivers better value.
| Route | Airline | Aircraft | Avg Price | Avg ATC Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paris (CDG) → Manila (MNL) | Air France | A350-900 | €1,200 | €400 (67% off) |
| Amsterdam (AMS) → Manila (MNL) | KLM | 777-300ER | €1,150 | €395 (66% off) |
| Istanbul (IST) → Manila (MNL) | Turkish Airlines | 787-9, A350-900 | €1,050 | €365 (65% off) |
| Frankfurt (FRA) → Manila (MNL) | Lufthansa | 350-900 | €1,150 | €400 (65% off) |
| London (LHR) → Manila (MNL) | Philippine Airlines | 777-300ER | €1,250 | €440 (65% off) |
| Rome (FCO) → Manila (MNL) | Philippine Airlines | A350-900 | €1,100 | €385 (65% off) |
| Madrid (MAD) → Manila (MNL) | Philippine Airlines | A350-900 | €1,100 | €385 (65% off) |
| Paris (CDG) → Cebu (CEB) | Philippine Airlines | A350-900 | €1,150 | €405 (65% off) |
*Avg ATC Price: Superdeal fare published on our platform (40-80% savings compared to standard market rates). Learn more.
How the 5th-freedom loophole can cut your flight costs by thousands
Welcome to the overlooked world of fifth-freedom flights. These legal, rare, and often underpriced routes create some of the cheapest fares—yet most travelers have never heard of them…
Best stopovers
for Europe to Philippines flights
Not all connections are created equal. When flying from the Europe to Philippines, routing through major airport hubs can deliver lower total fares, better-equipped aircraft, and access to airline stopover programs.
Doha DOH
with Qatar Airways
- Average savings: 42% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: Europe-Doha (~5h), then Doha-Manila (~10h)
- Typical connection: 2-4 hours (minimum 90 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Hotels from $14/night
- Visa requirements: Visa-free transit for most European passport holders
- Airport rating: 5-star Skytrax, modern and efficient
- Best for: London, Paris, Frankfurt travelers seeking budget-friendly premium cabins
Hong Kong HKG
with Cathay Pacific
- Average savings: 38% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: Split into ~11h Europe-Hong Kong and ~3.5h Hong Kong-Manila legs
- Typical connection: 2-5 hours (minimum 60 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Free 7-day stopover
- Visa requirements: Visa-free transit for most European passport holders
- Airport rating: 5-star Skytrax, world-class amenities
- Best for: Amsterdam, Zurich, Madrid travelers seeking extended city exploration
Singapore SIN
with Singapore Airlines
- Average savings: 40% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: Two-leg journey: ~12h Europe-Singapore, ~4h Singapore-Manila
- Typical connection: 3-5 hours (2h minimum)
- Stopover perks: Free hotel for premium cabins
- Visa requirements: Visa-free transit for most European passport holders
- Airport rating: 5-star Skytrax, consistently top-ranked globally
- Best for: Berlin, Rome, Vienna travelers seeking award-winning business class
Dubai DXB
with Emirates
- Average savings: 45% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: ~6h Europe-Dubai + ~8h Dubai-Manila
- Typical connection: 2-4 hours (minimum 90 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Free hotel with meals and transfers
- Visa requirements: Visa-free transit for most European passport holders
- Airport rating: 5-star Skytrax, excellent lounge access
- Best for: Barcelona, Stockholm, Athens travelers seeking free stopover hotels
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Set alerts →Best airlines and aircraft
for long-haul flights to Philippines
Most travelers book Europe–Philippines flights by price and schedule—but aircraft choice determines whether you arrive refreshed or wrecked. Cabin pressurization, humidity, seat configuration, and service standards vary dramatically on this route.
Below are carriers we recommend—with superior configurations on flights from the US and Canada to Philippines.
Lufthansa
Airbus A350-900
Five-time Skytrax Best European Airline winner. The A350 features advanced aerodynamics and fuel efficiency for smooth long-haul flights. Enhanced passenger comfort with quiet cabins and better air quality.
- Route: 1-stop Frankfurt (FRA) → Manila (MNL) (~15-16 hrs total with layover)
- Economy: 31″ pitch, 18″ width, 3-3-3 configuration, adjustable headrests, personal IFE touchscreen
- Business: 1-2-1 configuration, fully lie-flat 76″ seat, direct aisle access, enhanced privacy
- Standouts: 16″ UHD touchscreen IFE with extensive movies and TV shows, on-demand Wi-Fi (paid), multi-course premium meals, amenity kits on long-haul
- Typical Pricing: Economy €700-€900; Business €2,800-€4,200;
Turkish Airlines
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Skytrax 5-star rated airline known for extensive connectivity. The 787 Dreamliner offers improved cabin pressure and humidity, reducing jetlag on long routes.
- Route: 1-stop Istanbul (IST) → Manila (MNL) (~16-18 hrs total)
- Economy: 32″ pitch, 18″ width, 3-3-3 configuration, personal IFE, USB ports
- Business: 2-2-2 configuration, 180° lie-flat seats ~74″, spacious legroom
- Standouts: 12.1″ touchscreen IFE with thousands of entertainment options, onboard Wi-Fi (paid), award-winning Turkish cuisine with multi-course meals
- Typical Pricing: Economy €650-€880; Business €2,300-€3,700;
Air France
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Skytrax 4-star airline delivering French elegance. The 787’s quieter cabin and large windows offer a calming experience on long-haul flights to the Philippines.
- Route: 1-stop Paris (CDG) → Manila (MNL) (~15-17 hrs total)
- Economy: 31″ pitch, 18″ width, 3-3-3 layout, adjustable headrest, seatback screen
- Business: 1-2-1 reverse herringbone seats, lie-flat 76″ beds, direct aisle access
- Standouts: 16″ IFE with movies and live TV, Wi-Fi available (paid), French gourmet dining with wine pairing, amenity kits
- Typical Pricing: Economy €720-€950; Business €3,000-€4,500;
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Known for reliability and friendly service. The 787 offers a spacious cabin with improved air quality, optimizing comfort for economy and business travelers alike.
- Route: 1-stop Amsterdam (AMS) → Manila (MNL) (~16 hrs total)
- Economy: 31″ pitch, 17.2″ width, 3-3-3 configuration, personal touchscreen IFE
- Business: 2-2-2 configuration, full lie-flat seats ~74″, direct aisle access
- Standouts: 11″ IFE touchscreen, Wi-Fi (paid), Dutch and Asian inspired cuisine, lounge access
- Typical Pricing: Economy €680-€900; Business €2,500-€3,800;
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