Qatar, Philippines sign deal to increase Doha–Manila flights

PHOTO CAPTION: The Philippines and Qatar have agreed to expand air traffic rights between the two countries. Photo shows Mohamed bin Faleh Al-Hajri (right) of the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) and Carmelo L. Arcilla, Executive Director of the Philippines' Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between their agencies on November 12, 2026 in Doha. Photo by Qatar Civil Aviation Authority

DOHA, Qatar — More flights and air cargo are expected between Qatar and the Philippine following the signing of a fresh aviation services agreement between the two countries.

Under the new air traffic rights deal signed on Thursday (November 12, 2026), the Doha-Manila aviation corridor will soar to new heights, The Peninsula daily reported.

It’s good news for air travelers and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who could enjoy more flight options following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation in the aviation sector.

Under the MoU, designated airlines from both countries will be allowed to increase passenger services between Doha and Manila to 28 flights per week in each direction.
The MoU was signed by Mohamed bin Faleh Al-Hajri, who is in charge of managing the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA), representing Qatar, and Carmelo L. Arcilla, Executive Director of the Philippines' Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), representing the Philippines.

The deal is expected to create additional opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and economic cooperation between the two nations. The agreement also provides for increased air cargo capacity.

For thousands of Filipinos living and working in Qatar, the expanded air traffic rights could eventually mean greater flexibility when traveling home to the Philippines or returning to their jobs in the Gulf state.

Passengers may also benefit from improved connections through Doha to other international destinations.

According to the QCAA, the agreement forms part of Qatar's strategy to strengthen international aviation partnerships and respond to the growing demands of the global aviation industry.

Currently, the Doha–Manila route operates 25 daily nonstop flights per week across carriers, provided by Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines (which resumed its daily direct service).

The MoU stipulates that actual flight schedules and the implementation of additional services will depend on airline operations and subsequent arrangements.

The development marks another step in strengthening the longstanding ties between Qatar and the Philippines.