The Philippines and Israel are actively working to establish direct flights between Manila and Tel Aviv. This initiative aims to make travel easier for tourists and business professionals, potentially cutting the current 16+ hour travel time in half.

For Filipinos, a direct flight would create a seamless path to the Holy Land. Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat highlighted the strong Catholic faith in the Philippines, noting that many citizens would be eager to visit the sacred sites in Israel.

Conversely, the Philippines offers a different kind of pilgrimage for Israeli tourists: pristine beaches and vibrant islands. As Barkat pointed out, Israelis love beach destinations, making the Philippines a top choice. The new flights would make it even easier for them to explore hotspots like Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu.

Tourism is just one part of the bigger picture. The push for direct flights is also about strengthening the overall relationship between the two nations. This partnership, already valued at over 400 million USD, is set to grow even further.

With easier access, both countries expect to see a significant increase in business and trade, opening up new opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs.

While the plan for these flights was previously stalled due to regional conflicts, both governments are committed to making it happen. The goal is to create a win-win situation that benefits both countries’ economies and brings their people closer together.