A new chapter in Philippine-Canada relations unfolded on April 3 as the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Air Canada celebrated the inaugural flight connecting Manila to Vancouver, marking a significant step in boosting travel, trade, and tourism between the two countries.
Held at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the event was led by DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, Air Canada Managing Director Rocky Lo, and Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman. A ribbon- and cake-cutting ceremony commemorated the launch, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Canada.
Secretary Frasco highlighted the importance of the year-round direct flight in strengthening both economic and cultural connections. With nearly one million Filipinos residing in Canada, the new route improves accessibility and reinforces people-to-people ties.
Canada ranked sixth among top tourist source markets in 2024, with 269,300 Canadian visitors contributing over $304 million to the Philippine economy. As of April 3, 2025, the country has recorded 1.68 million total arrivals, including 91,671 from Canada.
The new Manila-Vancouver flight is expected to boost bilateral business, tourism, and cultural exchange, supporting the DOT’s vision of a more globally connected Philippines.
Other key figures at the event included officials from the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), alongside DOT undersecretaries and regional directors.