Arkia Airlines will initiate a direct flight route from Tel Aviv, Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport, to Manila, Philippines, beginning January 3, 2027. The service will run once weekly, departing Tel Aviv on Sunday afternoons and returning from Manila on Monday mornings, with operations scheduled through April 2027.
Flights will be conducted using a wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft provided by GullivAir. Seating includes 268 Economy Class seats and a Business Class cabin with 19 fully flat beds. Ticket prices start at $750 one-way for Economy and $1,800 one-way for Business Class.
The flight duration is approximately 11 hours eastbound from Tel Aviv
to Manila, and 12 hours and 20 minutes westbound on the return. The once-weekly schedule is planned on a seasonal basis between January and April 2027.
Arkia’s Long-Haul Expansion in Asia
The new Manila route marks Arkia Airlines’ first direct service connecting Israel and the Philippines and extends its reach in Far East long-haul markets. This route complements Arkia’s other recent international additions including New York, Bangkok, Phuket, Hanoi, and Tokyo.
Arkia CEO Oz Berlowitz noted, “The launch of the Manila route is another step in further deepening Arkia’s operations in the Far East and in implementing our strategic plan for long-haul routes.” He added
that the Philippines offers significant tourism, business, and diplomatic potential, and expects the new service will increase competition and reduce fares for Israeli consumers.
Philippine Support and Strategic Importance
The idea for the flight was initiated by Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola, who engaged lawmakers to secure support. She stated that within one meeting, a decision was made to explore the route. The new direct flight aims to strengthen tourism, business, and familial ties between the two countries.
Mendiola emphasized that the flight is more than a transportation link, describing it as a bridge connecting Israelis and Filipinos. She highlighted the destinations in the
Philippines, such as Palawan, Boracay, and Cebu, served via the main gateway of Manila, and noted the potential for increased economic cooperation leveraging the Philippines’ ASEAN free trade zone membership.
Passenger Experience and Business Class Services
Passengers traveling on Arkia’s Manila route will benefit from the only direct weekly connection between Israel and the Philippines starting in January 2027. Business Class customers will receive upgraded baggage allowances, amenity kits, lounge access, and specially designed meals by Arkia Executive Chef Shahaf Shabtay.
This service aims to attract both leisure travelers seeking access to the Philippines’ well-known beaches and nature, and business passengers capitalizing on growing economic relations.
The Business Class cabin offers 19 fully flat beds on the Airbus A330 aircraft.
Tourism and Trade Potential
The Philippines is a favored destination for Israeli tourists for its extensive beaches and cultural attractions. Manila, the country’s key international hub, provides onward connections to major islands such as Palawan, Boracay, and Cebu.
The Philippine Embassy secured an exception from Manila’s busy airport to allow this flight, intending to stimulate tourism and initiate free trade discussions. The Philippines’ membership in the ASEAN free trade area presents potential trade benefits for Israel if companies register locally.
