NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
PH, Israel Eye Nonstop Manila-Tel Aviv Route This Year
Photo credit: DOTr
Soon, traveling between Manila and Tel Aviv may no longer mean exhausting layovers and multiple stopovers.
The Philippine government is now laying the groundwork for direct flights between the Philippines and Israel, a move seen to boost tourism, trade, and long-term investments between the two nations.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the plan is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s push to expand international air connectivity and deepen bilateral partnerships. Transportation Secretary Vince “Banoy” Lopez confirmed that talks are already in motion with Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh.
"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 and the other relevant government agencies," Lopez said during a meeting with the Israeli delegation.
He emphasized that the DOTr is committed to launching the route within the year and vowed to fast-track coordination with concerned agencies to make the nonstop service a reality.
Ambassador Kursh welcomed the development, noting strong interest from Israeli travelers eager to explore the Philippines’ prime tourist 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,” she said.
Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola underscored the bigger picture — beyond tourism.
“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.
With key officials from the DOTr, Civil Aeronautics Board, and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines present during the discussions, the proposed route appears to be gaining serious traction.
If finalized, Manila and Tel Aviv could soon be connected by a single, seamless journey — opening the door to closer economic and cultural ties.
The Philippine government is now laying the groundwork for direct flights between the Philippines and Israel, a move seen to boost tourism, trade, and long-term investments between the two nations.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the plan is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s push to expand international air connectivity and deepen bilateral partnerships. Transportation Secretary Vince “Banoy” Lopez confirmed that talks are already in motion with Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh.
"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 and the other relevant government agencies," Lopez said during a meeting with the Israeli delegation.
He emphasized that the DOTr is committed to launching the route within the year and vowed to fast-track coordination with concerned agencies to make the nonstop service a reality.
Ambassador Kursh welcomed the development, noting strong interest from Israeli travelers eager to explore the Philippines’ prime tourist 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,” she said.
Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola underscored the bigger picture — beyond tourism.
“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.
With key officials from the DOTr, Civil Aeronautics Board, and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines present during the discussions, the proposed route appears to be gaining serious traction.
If finalized, Manila and Tel Aviv could soon be connected by a single, seamless journey — opening the door to closer economic and cultural ties.
Feb 11, 2026
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