This will provide a seamless link between the two cities.
Earlier this week, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) confirmed plans for the launching of launch direct flights that will connect Manila and Tel Aviv.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the DOTr is already working closely with Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh to open the direct flight between the two parties.
“We can start working on the direct flight from Israel to the Philippines,” said Lopez. “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.”
The transport chief affirmed the department’s commitment to establishing the direct route within the year and assured that the department will do everything it can to make it happen at the soonest possible time.
For her part, Ambassador Kursh expressed the Israeli government’s optimism the direct flights that will be opened this year. “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.
Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola emphasized how direct flights could unlock economic opportunities for both sides. “These are very important for us. My long-range goal is actually investments, two-way investments, two-way projects.“
She continued, “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.”