Direct Philippines-Israel flights in the works

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February 12, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is working with Israel in mounting a direct flight between Manila and Tel Aviv within the year, driven by Israelis’ interest to visit the country’s top destinations.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) yesterday said negotiations are underway to open direct flights between Manila and Tel Aviv.

In a meeting, acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez informed an Israeli delegation led by Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh that the DOTr supports directly connecting Manila and Tel Aviv.

Lopez said the DOTr wants the direct flight launched this year. The DOTr, as the parent of flight regulator Civil Aeronautics Board, will speed up the processing of requirements needed to open the new service.

“We can start working on direct flights from Israel to the Philippines. Rest assured that I’m going to work closely with Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola and the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) and other relevant government agencies,” Lopez said.

Kursh, for her part, told Lopez that Israel is keen on linking Manila and Tel Aviv by air, lifted by Israelis’ desire to visit the best destinations in the Philippines.

“I do identify this opportunity of business as a big opportunity and sky is the limit, so let’s try to explore these opportunities for both Israelis and Filipinos,” Kursh said.

Ambassador Mendiola also underscored the importance of direct trips to improve business ties and people-to-people exchange between two countries.

“My long-range goal is actually investments — two-way investments and two-way projects. This way, the flight is conduit to all of those interactions that we will be having, and I’m really excited to make this happen sooner than later,” she said.