Filipinos May Soon Say Goodbye to Long Layovers on Israel Trips
ISRAEL – Dreaming of visiting the Holy Land? Filipinos may soon have a more convenient way to travel to Israel without the hassle of connecting flights.
Traveling from the Philippines to Jerusalem and other destinations in Israel could soon become much more convenient as direct air service between Manila and Tel Aviv is set to begin in 2027.
The Philippine Embassy in Israel announced that Israeli carrier Arkia Airlines will launch direct flights connecting Manila and Tel Aviv starting January 3, 2027. The development is expected to strengthen people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Israel as both countries prepare to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations.
“The Philippine Embassy in Israel welcomes ארקיע Arkia Airlines’ launch of direct flights between Tel Aviv and Manila beginning 03 January 2027. The new service marks a major milestone in Philippines–Israel relations as the two countries celebrate 70 years of diplomatic ties next year, opening a new chapter in their longstanding friendship by forging a new bridge between the two peoples,” the Embassy stated.
The new route is expected to operate once a week. Flights will leave Tel Aviv on Sunday afternoons before returning from Manila on Monday mornings, providing another option for Filipino travelers planning trips to Israel.
“The once weekly service will depart Tel Aviv on Sunday afternoons and return from Manila on Monday mornings. Flights will take approximately 11–12 hours on Airbus A330s with 268 Economy Class and 19 Business Class seats, the latter featuring fully flat beds and curated meals by Arkia Executive Chef Shahaf Shabtay,” according to the Philippine Embassy in Israel.
The direct connection is expected to benefit Filipinos traveling for tourism, religious pilgrimages, family visits, and other purposes. Israel, widely known as the “Holy Land,” attracts visitors from around the world, particularly Christian pilgrims who wish to visit important biblical and historical sites.
Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola welcomed the new route, describing it as more than simply an aviation connection between the two countries.
“This is more than a flight between Tel Aviv and Manila. It is a bridge between our two peoples, and bridges work in both directions,” statement by Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola.
She also emphasized how the new service could encourage travel in both directions while creating opportunities beyond tourism.
“It brings Israeli travelers closer to the Philippines, Filipino pilgrims closer to the Holy Land, and our kababayan closer to their families back home. At the same time, it opens new doors for business between our two countries,” he added.
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