The Philippine House of Representatives has approved on second reading a bill extending Philippine Airlines’ legislative franchise for another 50 years, keeping the flag carrier authorised to operate domestic and international services beyond its current 2028 expiry. The vote in Manila gives PAL a longer operating horizon, but the measure still needs final legislative approval before it becomes law.
The bill passed by voice vote and would run the franchise through 2076. Legislators presented the extension as a way to give PAL greater certainty for investment, fleet modernisation, route growth and wider infrastructure and capability upgrades.
The decision comes as PAL continues to operate under a franchise framework that shapes its long-term commercial planning. A second-reading approval is a major step in Congress, yet it does not by itself complete the renewal process.