STARLUX Airlines resumed its daily nonstop service between Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) on December 16, 2025.
The route’s return adds to the carrier’s growing Southeast Asian network as economic ties between Taiwan and the Philippines continue to strengthen.
The Taiwanese carrier is deploying its Airbus A321neo aircraft on the route, with morning departures from Taipei and midday returns from Manila. The resumption brings STARLUX’s total Philippines operations to 23 weekly flights, including existing services to Cebu International Airport (CEB) and Clark International Airport (CRK).
Growing bilateral ties
The route has returned at a time when connections are expanding between the two markets.
More than 160,000 Filipino workers are currently employed in Taiwan, while the Philippines ranks among Taiwan’s top 20 trading partners. Both countries offer 14-day visa-free travel to each other’s citizens, facilitating business and tourism flows.
“The resumption of our Manila service marks a significant step in strengthening STARLUX Airlines’ Southeast Asia network,” said STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai.
“Beyond meeting the needs of business and leisure travelers, the route enhances network flexibility through complementary services to Cebu and Clark, offering passengers greater convenience in planning multi-city itineraries. STARLUX Airlines will continue expanding its network to further promote economic, cultural, and tourism exchanges between Taiwan and the Philippines,” Chai added.
Manila’s role as a Southeast Asian aviation hub makes it a strategic addition to STARLUX’s route map. The carrier currently operates 30 routes across Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, Hong Kong, Macau, and North America using an all-Airbus fleet.
The Manila service adds to Taiwan’s aviation options for the Philippines market, where demand has been growing steadily in both directions driven by labor migration, trade, and tourism.