Philippine Airlines will suspend thrice-weekly flights to the Malaysian capital next month, according to a report today.

"A circular was issued to inform of the flight suspension" which was "due to commercial considerations," a Kuala Lumpur-based airline official told the New Straits Times newspaper.

"I do not rule out the possibility of a low passenger volume on the route and that PAL (Philippine Airlines) is focusing more on profitable routes which are to the US," the official added.

Suspended in 1998

The flag carrier's website says Manila-Kuala Lumpur flights will cease after February 12. Malaysia Airlines will continue flying the route.

Philippine Airlines suspended operations between Manila and Kuala Lumpur in 1998 for five years after suffering a collapse during the Asian financial crisis, the newspaper said.

The route was taken up again in October 2003.