The Department of Transportation is working to launch direct flights between the Philippines and Israel by the end of the year to enhance tourism and economic cooperation.
Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the agency is collaborating with Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh to establish the route.
Lopez affirmed the department’s commitment to establishing the direct link within the year and assured that the agency will do everything possible to make it happen at the soonest possible time.
“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 and the DFA and the other relevant government agencies,” Lopez said.
Kursh said the Israeli government remains upbeat about the opening of direct flights this year, noting that its citizens have expressed interest in visiting top Philippine tourism destinations.
“So I do identify this opportunity of business as a big opportunity and sky is the limit. So let’s try to explore these opportunities both for Israelis and Filipinos,” Kursh said.
Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola said the direct route could unlock significant economic opportunities and two-way projects for both nations.
“These are very important for us. My long-range goal is actually investments, two-way investments, two-way projects. This way, the flight is a conduit to all of those interactions that we will be having. And I’m really very excited to make this happen sooner than later,” Mendiola said.
Both countries seek to strengthen bilateral ties. While specific ticket prices or subsidies have not been disclosed, officials expect the route to facilitate easier movement for the thousands of Filipino workers in Israel and Israeli tourists traveling to Southeast Asia.
