A trip to the Holy Land is set to become more accessible for Filipinos after Israeli carrier Arkia Airlines announced plans to launch direct flights between Tel Aviv and Manila starting January 3, 2027.
Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh announced this on Facebook Tuesday night.
Arkia Airlines will become the first Israel carrier to operate a direct route to the capital Manila in many years.
Filipinos can enter Israel without visas for stays of up to 90 days for tourism and similar short-term visits such as religious pilgrimage.
In a social media post, Kursh said the new service is expected to boost tourism, business, investment and cultural exchanges between the two countries while making travel more convenient for Israelis and Filipinos.
The route will initially operate once a week, departing on Sundays, with a flight time of about 11 hours between Tel Aviv and Manila.
The route will be operated using a wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft. One-way ticket prices will start at $750 for economy class seats and $1,800 for business class seats.
Kursh expressed optimism that the direct connection would encourage more Israeli visitors to the Philippines and more Filipinos to travel to Israel.
‘The distance between us is about to become a little shorter, but the friendship between our peoples has always been close,’ she said.