DOTr: Direct flights planned between Philippines and Israel

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced on Tuesday that it is working to launch direct flights between the Philippines and Israel.

In a statement, the DOTr said the plan would be a critical step toward seamless air travel between Manila and Tel Aviv in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.'s directive to expand international air connectivity and strengthen bilateral ties with other countries.

"We can start working on the direct flight from Israel to the Philippines. Rest assured that I'm going to work closely with Ambassador Aileen [Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola] and the DFA [Department of Foreign Affairs] and the other relevant government agencies," said Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez during a meeting with the Israeli delegation led by Ambassador Dana Kursh on Monday. 

During the meeting, the DOTr said Lopez affirmed the agency’s commitment to establishing the direct Manila-Tel Aviv route within the year.

“So I do identify this opportunity of business as a big opportunity, and the sky's the limit. So let's try to explore these opportunities for both Israelis and Filipinos,” Kursh said. —VBL, GMA Integrated News